grows rampant

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "grows rampant" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is increasing or spreading uncontrollably, often in a negative context. Example: "The weeds in the garden grow rampant during the summer months, overtaking the flowers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

It feeds off of the hero worship that grows rampant like weeds on school campuses and in locker rooms.

Huffington Post

It grows rampant in 25 states in the East, ranging from northern Florida to southern Maine, growing as far west as eastern Nebraska.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

The attacks grew rampant in 2008.

The New Yorker

AS if sprung from seeds blown across the ocean, French bistros grow rampant in New York's fertile soil.

The New York Times

He groused about hordes of job-seekers "clamoring for a public tit," but the Jacksonian "spoils system" grew rampant in the 19th century.

The New York Times

Steel industry experts say bribery has grown rampant here in recent years as Chinese steel mills have competed for valuable imports of iron ore, much of it controlled by foreign suppliers.

The New York Times

This is especially true when it comes to environmental science, and particularly climate change, where the obfuscating of scientific findings and the bowing to short-term special interests has grown rampant in recent years.

The New York Times

As tear-down madness grew rampant in Fairfield County, I found that some savvy developers do cherry-pick valuable Japanese maples and evergreens from demolition sites for reuse or sale.

The New York Times

As pseudoscientific and paranormal claims grew rampant, Mr. Randi's work as a professional skeptic won him a frequent chair on Johnny Carson's "Tonight" show, a MacArthur "genius" award, dozens of lecture invitations every year, from Capitol Hill to China, and a series of lawsuits from disgruntled mind readers and spoon benders like Uri Geller.

The New York Times - Arts

I can't believe it crossed any of their minds that one day, more than seventy years after the war ended and they left the woods, an American writer would be comparing details from one book against another, neurotically worrying whether blackberries really grew rampant in the Polesia forest in the autumn of 1942.

The New Yorker

Since President Vladimir Putin first came to power, Russia has become a field where the threatening weeds of xenophobia and nationalism grow rampant.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "grows rampant", ensure that the subject is something that can naturally grow or spread. It is often used to describe abstract concepts or negative trends.

Common error

While acceptable, "grows rampant" can sometimes sound melodramatic in formal writing. Consider using more neutral alternatives like "increases significantly" or "becomes widespread" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "grows rampant" functions as a verb phrase where "grows" acts as a linking verb connecting the subject to the adjective "rampant". It typically describes the manner in which something increases or spreads, often with negative connotations. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "grows rampant" is a grammatically correct and usable expression to describe something that is increasing or spreading uncontrollably, often with negative implications. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While not overly common, it appears frequently in news and media contexts and less so in highly formal or academic settings. Alternative phrases like "spreads uncontrollably" or "runs rampant" can be used for variety or when a more neutral tone is desired. When using "grows rampant", ensure the subject is capable of natural growth or spread, and consider the context to avoid melodramatic or inappropriate usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

runs rampant

Focuses on the unbridled nature, removing the growth aspect, creating more emphasis on lack of control.

spreads uncontrollably

Focuses on the uncontrolled spread, removing the growth aspect.

proliferates rapidly

Emphasizes the speed and abundance of the increase.

flourishes wildly

Suggests vigorous and unrestrained growth, potentially with a positive connotation.

escalates sharply

Highlights a steep and rapid increase in intensity or amount.

grows out of hand

Emphasizes that something is becoming unmanageable, highlighting a loss of control.

increases exponentially

Emphasizes an extremely rapid and accelerating rate of growth.

gets out of control

Highlights the loss of control over something that is growing or spreading.

becomes widespread

Indicates a broad distribution rather than rapid growth.

takes over

Focuses on the dominance and displacement of other things.

FAQs

How can I use "grows rampant" in a sentence?

You can use "grows rampant" to describe something negative that is increasing or spreading uncontrollably. For example, "Corruption grows rampant when there is a lack of oversight".

What does "grows rampant" mean?

"Grows rampant" means something is increasing or spreading in an uncontrolled and often undesirable way.

What can I say instead of "grows rampant"?

You can use alternatives like "spreads uncontrollably", "proliferates rapidly", or "runs rampant" depending on the context.

Is "grows rampant" formal or informal?

"Grows rampant" is generally considered neutral in formality, suitable for news articles and general writing but potentially less appropriate for highly formal or academic contexts.