going feral

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "going feral" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that is becoming wild, untamed, or reverting to a more primal state, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "After spending so much time alone in the wilderness, he felt himself going feral, losing touch with civilization."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

He of all people should appreciate the enchantment of going feral.

The Guardian - Opinion

She had been behaving like a cat that was going feral: she came home less and less frequently, staying only to change her clothes and give me some money to pass on to our parents.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

They go feral.

The New Yorker

The crowd go feral.

The Guardian - Sport

And the idea has gone feral?

The Guardian

Like a maimed animal, the mind goes feral.

The New Yorker

Photographer Dan went feral and ate a plant.

The Guardian - Travel

I only went feral after she married me.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Of this much we're sure: the boys in Mike's unit have nearly gone feral.

The New Yorker

It's lettuce that has gone feral in the August heat.

The New York Times

People go feral when mistreated and when they themselves do the mistreating.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "going feral" to vividly describe a loss of control or a return to a more basic, instinctive state. This phrase can add color and impact to your writing, particularly when describing characters or situations undergoing significant change.

Common error

Avoid using "going feral" when simply describing ordinary excitement or enthusiasm. The phrase implies a significant shift towards wildness or loss of control, not just heightened emotion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "going feral" functions as a verb phrase, typically used in the continuous tense to describe an ongoing process of becoming wild or untamed. It adds a dynamic and vivid quality to descriptions, as supported by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "going feral" is a versatile verb phrase used to vividly describe a transition to a wild or untamed state. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage, particularly in news and media contexts. While not strictly formal, it effectively conveys a loss of control or a return to primal instincts. Alternatives like "becoming wild" or "turning savage" can be used depending on the nuance desired. Remember to use it judiciously to maintain impact and avoid misinterpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

becoming untamed

Highlights the lack of domestication or control.

becoming wild

Focuses on the process of becoming untamed, omitting the 'going' aspect.

turning savage

Emphasizes the brutal or fierce aspect of becoming wild.

embracing primal instincts

Focuses on the acceptance and expression of basic, instinctive behaviors.

reverting to the wild

Highlights the return to a natural, untamed state.

returning to nature

Emphasizes a reconnection with the natural world, often implying a rejection of civilization.

losing control

Focuses on the loss of self-restraint and discipline.

becoming primitive

Highlights the reversion to a simpler, less developed state of being.

descending into chaos

Emphasizes the disorderly and uncontrolled nature of the transformation.

abandoning civilization

Highlights the conscious or unconscious rejection of societal norms and structures.

FAQs

How can I use "going feral" in a sentence?

You can use "going feral" to describe people, animals, or even ideas that are becoming wild or uncontrolled. For example, "After being trapped indoors for weeks, the children were going feral in the backyard".

What does it mean when someone says they are "going feral"?

When someone says they are "going feral", it typically means they are losing control of themselves and behaving in a wild or untamed manner. It suggests a temporary abandonment of civilized behavior.

What can I say instead of "going feral"?

You can use alternatives like "becoming wild", "turning savage", or "losing control" depending on the context.

Is "going feral" a formal or informal expression?

"Going feral" is generally considered an informal expression. It's more appropriate for casual conversation or creative writing than for formal academic or business contexts.