go mad for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "go mad for" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express a strong enthusiasm or passion for something. Example: "She goes mad for chocolate and can never resist a dessert."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

I go mad for the pasta.

The New York Times

But kids go mad for it.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Bieber has landed – in a giant plastic ball... Mums go mad for Morrison.

Independent

The reaction of teenage girls is really interesting, says Hadland. "They go mad for it.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Or as the London Evening Standard put it: "Tories go mad for Toynbee".

The Guardian

And it is not just former bobby-soxers who go mad for Mr. Bennett; the MTV generation does as well.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

Britain went mad for weeks.

The Guardian

"Everyone's gone mad for it".

The Guardian - Opinion

Then Australia went mad for scooters.

The New York Times

Britain has apparently gone mad for ukuleles.

The Guardian - Film

My daughter goes mad for those... and some great bread".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, remember that "go mad for" is generally used in informal or neutral contexts and may not be suitable for highly formal or academic writing. Consider synonyms such as "be passionate about" in those situations.

Common error

Avoid using "go mad for" in academic or professional writing. While the phrase is perfectly acceptable in casual conversation and some journalistic contexts, it can sound unprofessional in more formal settings. Opt for more measured alternatives like "strongly favor" or "be highly enthusiastic about".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "go mad for" functions as an idiomatic expression to convey a strong liking or enthusiasm. As Ludwig confirms, it's a valid and usable phrase. Examples show it used to describe reactions to food, people, and trends.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

92%

Wiki

4%

Science

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "go mad for" is a common idiomatic phrase used to express intense enthusiasm or passion. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability, noting its prevalence in news and media sources. While versatile, remember to consider the context; more formal situations might benefit from alternatives like "be passionate about". Avoid overusing it in academic writing to maintain a professional tone. By keeping these points in mind, you can effectively and appropriately use "go mad for" to convey excitement and strong liking.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be wild about

Suggests intense excitement and enthusiasm, closely mirroring the original phrase's energy.

be crazy about

Implies a strong liking or infatuation, but may not always reach the level of frenzy suggested by the original phrase.

be obsessed with

Indicates a compulsive preoccupation, potentially stronger and more sustained than the fleeting enthusiasm of "go mad for".

be passionate about

Focuses on deep-seated enthusiasm and commitment, potentially lacking the spontaneous excitement of "go mad for".

be infatuated with

Suggests a romantic or intense but possibly short-lived attraction.

be enthusiastic about

Expresses positive interest and excitement, but can be more subdued than "go mad for".

be hooked on

Implies an addictive quality, where the enthusiasm is difficult to control or break.

take a shine to

A more casual and colloquial expression of liking something immediately.

develop a fondness for

Indicates a gradual increase in liking or affection, contrasting with the immediate excitement of "go mad for".

be a fan of

A more general and less intense expression of liking.

FAQs

What does it mean to "go mad for" something?

To "go mad for" something means to develop a sudden and intense enthusiasm or passion for it. It suggests a strong liking and excitement that might seem almost irrational.

Is "go mad for" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "go mad for" is generally considered informal. In formal contexts, consider alternatives like "be passionate about" or "strongly favor" for a more professional tone.

What are some synonyms for "go mad for"?

Depending on the context, you can use synonyms like "be crazy about", "be wild about", or "be obsessed with" to convey a similar meaning.

Can you use "go mad for" in past tense?

Yes, the past tense forms are "went mad for" and "gone mad for". For example, "Everyone went mad for the new flavor of ice cream."