go haywire

USAGE SUMMARY

"go haywire" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is an idiomatic expression that means to start behaving erratically, or to stop working properly. For example, you can say: "When the power went out, my computer's programs seemed to go haywire."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Markets could go haywire.

The New York Times

Pumps break, heaters go haywire.

The New York Times

Your fight-or-flight mechanism will go haywire.

The New York Times

At some point, presumably, the rate will dip below a critical level and results could go haywire.

The Economist

Although the market righted itself quickly, regulators are debating ways to step in when prices go haywire.

The Economist

These machines can and do go haywire.

The Guardian - Opinion

And when the computers in Mr. Lepage's "Ring" go haywire, there's nothing substantial to compensate.

The New York Times - Arts

Republicans decide they are sick of nominating "moderates" and next time they go haywire.

The New York Times

"But when a highly processed food is eaten, the body may go haywire.

The New York Times

Flights will go haywire if a gadget is used under 10,000 feet.

The New York Times

It didn't seem right that the brain would go haywire just when we need it most".

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "go haywire" to describe situations where there's a sudden and unexpected loss of control or proper function. It's particularly effective when emphasizing the erratic nature of the event.

Common error

Avoid using "go haywire" for gradual or predictable failures. The phrase implies a sudden, often inexplicable, malfunction or loss of control, not a slow decline. Instead, opt for words like "deteriorate" or "decline" for gradual processes.

How to use

Learn how to use "go haywire" with practical examples and tips.

How to use

Linguistic Context

The phrase "go haywire" functions as a verb phrase. It describes a state of uncontrolled or erratic behavior, often implying a sudden malfunction or loss of control. Ludwig shows this usage across various contexts, confirming its role in depicting unexpected disruptions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "go haywire" is a commonly used verb phrase that describes a sudden and unexpected loss of control or proper function. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and applicable in various contexts, particularly in News & Media sources. While the phrase is considered neutral in register, it's important to remember it implies a degree of unexpectedness and should not be used for gradual processes. Understanding these nuances will ensure effective and accurate communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

get out of control

This captures the loss of regulation implied by "going haywire".

malfunction

This alternative describes a failure to function correctly, similar to a system "going haywire".

break down

This implies a cessation of normal operation, akin to a system "going haywire".

become chaotic

This highlights the state of disorder resulting when things "go haywire".

go berserk

This suggests wildly uncontrolled behavior, similar to the erratic nature of something "going haywire".

go awry

This signifies a deviation from the intended course, resembling the unexpected nature of something "going haywire".

run amok

This phrase conveys a sense of uncontrolled and often destructive behavior akin to something "going haywire".

fall apart

This indicates a disintegration of functionality, comparable to a system "going haywire".

lose it

This is an informal way of saying someone loses control, emotionally or otherwise, similar to a situation "going haywire".

flip out

This emphasizes a sudden loss of control, mirroring the unexpected aspect of something "going haywire".

FAQs

How can I use "go haywire" in a sentence?

You can use "go haywire" to describe a system, machine, or even a person that suddenly starts behaving erratically or malfunctioning. For example, "The stock market seemed to "get out of control" and "go haywire" after the unexpected news."

What are some alternatives to "go haywire"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "malfunction", "break down", "get out of control", or "become chaotic".

Is "go haywire" formal or informal?

"Go haywire" is generally considered an informal expression. While acceptable in many contexts, it might be best to avoid it in highly formal or technical writing where more precise language is preferred.

What does it mean when someone says something "went haywire"?

When someone says something "went haywire", they mean it unexpectedly stopped functioning properly or "got out of control". This can apply to machines, systems, plans, or even a person's behavior.