getting carried away

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "getting carried away" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to express when someone is too enthusiastic about something, often to the point of disregarding reality. For example, "He got so excited about the idea of having a pet, he started getting carried away and dreaming of owning a zoo."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

We're getting carried away.

The New York Times

I'm getting carried away again.

The Guardian

"I'm not getting carried away.

The Guardian - Sport

We won't be getting carried away.

Independent

And some customers are getting carried away.

The New York Times

But he was not getting carried away.

The Guardian - Sport

Not that Pearson is getting carried away.

The Guardian - Sport

Or is that getting carried away?

The Guardian - Sport

Allardyce, though, was not getting carried away.

The Guardian - Sport

But I know I'm getting carried away.

The Guardian - Tech

"We're not getting carried away," Wane added.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "getting carried away" to caution against excessive enthusiasm or unrealistic expectations. It's particularly effective in contexts where maintaining a balanced perspective is crucial.

Common error

While "getting carried away" is widely understood, it can sound too informal in academic papers or formal business reports. Opt for phrases like "exaggerating" or "losing objectivity" in such contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "getting carried away" functions as an idiomatic expression, typically acting as a verbal phrase within a sentence. It indicates a state of excessive enthusiasm or a loss of perspective, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "getting carried away" is a common idiom used to describe a state of excessive enthusiasm or a loss of perspective. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely understood, though potentially too informal for strictly academic or business writing. Usage is notably frequent in News & Media. When employing this phrase, consider the context and audience, opting for more formal alternatives like "exaggerating" or "losing objectivity" when necessary. Remember to exercise caution against excessive enthusiasm or unrealistic expectations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

becoming too enthusiastic

Directly points out the excess of enthusiasm.

going overboard

Emphasizes exceeding appropriate boundaries in enthusiasm or action.

getting overexcited

Indicates a state of heightened and possibly uncontrolled excitement.

becoming excessive

Highlights the action of exceeding reasonable limits.

getting ahead of oneself

Highlights premature enthusiasm or planning.

losing perspective

Focuses on the loss of a balanced viewpoint.

overdoing it

Focuses on exaggerating or exceeding the reasonable amount of something.

losing sight of reality

Focuses on losing touch with a practical assessment of a situation.

going wild

Suggests a loss of control and restraint.

becoming irrational

Highlights the lapse into illogical or unreasonable thinking.

FAQs

How can I use "getting carried away" in a sentence?

You can use "getting carried away" to describe someone becoming too enthusiastic or unrealistic. For example, "He started planning the wedding and "got carried away" with the decorations."

What does "getting carried away" mean?

"Getting carried away" means to become overly excited or enthusiastic about something, sometimes to the point of losing perspective or control. It often implies a temporary lapse in judgment due to heightened emotions.

Which is correct, "getting carried away" or "get carried away"?

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "Getting carried away" is the present participle form, often used in continuous tenses (e.g., "I'm getting carried away"). "Get carried away" is the base form, used in general statements or commands (e.g., "Don't get carried away").

What are some synonyms for "getting carried away"?

Alternatives to "getting carried away" include phrases like "going overboard", "losing perspective", or "getting ahead of oneself", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.