has gone wild

USAGE SUMMARY

"has gone wild" is correct and usable in written English.
Use this phrase when describing an animal, object, or situation that has become uncontrollable. For example: "The party has gone wild!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

"The whole school community has gone wild about this.

Independent

Of course, all Japan has gone wild over him.

The New York Times - Sports

"Mancusi is a dog that has gone wild," Richard Clark, a leader of the revolt, said.

The New York Times

"The gravy train has gone wild at EZJ... we must stop it," said Stelios.

The Economist

It is about how the free market has gone wild, a la Milton Friedman.

The Guardian - Opinion

In her new work, however, you get the sense that nature has gone wild and completely taken over.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

They've gone wild.

The New York Times

Girls have gone wild".

The New York Times

"Her imagination had gone wild," she recalled.

The New York Times

"This year we've gone wild," Mr. Jobs said.

The New York Times - Tech

Later, when Kay-Kay had gone wild, she simply refused to make eye contact.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase, ensure the subject aligns with the intended connotation of excess or lack of control. For instance, it works well with 'the crowd', 'the market', or 'spending' to emphasize their unrestrained nature.

Common error

Avoid using "has gone wild" in formal academic writing or professional reports where a more neutral or precise description is required. The phrase's informal tone and emphasis on excess might be inappropriate for such contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has gone wild" functions as a predicative expression, typically describing a noun whose behavior has become extreme or uncontrolled. Ludwig provides examples where this phrase modifies terms like 'school community', 'the market', and 'imagination', indicating a state of exceeding normal boundaries.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "has gone wild" is a phrase used to describe situations, behaviors, or trends that have become uncontrolled or excessive. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media where conveying heightened intensity is desired. While versatile, it's best to avoid using it in highly formal settings where a more neutral tone is preferred. Consider alternatives like "has spiraled out of control" or "has run amok" for slightly different nuances. Mastering this phrase helps enhance your descriptive abilities and ensures you choose the most appropriate language for your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has spiraled out of control

Focuses on the idea of a situation escalating rapidly and becoming unmanageable.

has run amok

Emphasizes chaotic and disruptive behavior, often implying a lack of restraint.

has become chaotic

Directly states the presence of disorder and confusion.

has gotten out of hand

Suggests a situation has exceeded acceptable limits and is now difficult to manage.

has broken loose

Implies a forceful release from restraint or control, leading to disorder.

has escalated rapidly

Highlights the quick and significant increase in intensity or severity of a situation.

is beyond control

Indicates that a situation is no longer manageable or restrainable.

is in disarray

Paints a picture of complete disorder and lack of organization.

has become unhinged

Suggests a loss of stability, rationality, or composure.

has lost all restraint

Emphasizes the absence of self-control or limitations.

FAQs

What does "has gone wild" mean?

The phrase "has gone wild" means that something or someone has become uncontrolled, excessive, or chaotic. It suggests a state beyond the ordinary or expected limits.

What can I say instead of "has gone wild"?

You can use alternatives like "has spiraled out of control", "has run amok", or "has become chaotic" depending on the specific context.

Is "has gone wild" formal or informal?

The phrase "has gone wild" is generally considered informal and is best suited for casual conversation, news articles, or creative writing rather than formal academic or business documents.

How to use "has gone wild" in a sentence?

You can use "has gone wild" to describe a variety of situations, such as "The party has gone wild," or "The stock market has gone wild after the announcement."