have been mad

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have been mad" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a state of being angry or upset that has persisted over a period of time. Example: "I have been mad about the situation ever since I found out the truth."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

I would have been mad, too".

The New York Times - Sports

I must have been mad.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

We all must have been mad.

The New York Times - Style

I thought Euclid would have been mad.

The New Yorker

"People have been mad for a long time.

The New York Times

I wouldn't have been mad if Carroll tried to".

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

THANKS to wildcat bans on imports from countries suspected of harbouring "mad" cows, beef-price fluctuations in recent weeks have been madder than the cows.

The Economist

Right from the beginning, I had been mad about movies.

The Guardian - Film

"I've been mad and excited, waiting to play this game," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

The last year had been "mad" admitted Borrell, but he is not yet weary of stardom.

The Guardian

The funny thing was that Nick, back before the folks croaked, had been mad for drinking, going out, and the general pursuit of hell-raising.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "have been mad" to express a sustained feeling of anger or frustration about something that has occurred or a situation that exists. Consider the context to ensure the intensity of "mad" aligns with the intended message.

Common error

While "mad" is acceptable, in formal writing or professional settings, consider using alternatives such as "angry", "upset", or "displeased" to maintain a more appropriate tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have been mad" functions as a compound verb phrase indicating a state of anger or frustration that has persisted over time. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, and examples show its usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

97%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "have been mad" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to convey a sustained feeling of anger or frustration. As indicated by Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. While "mad" might not be appropriate in very formal contexts, it's widely accepted in news, media, and general conversation. Consider alternatives like "angry" or "upset" for more formal scenarios. The phrase's prevalence in reliable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian affirms its validity in contemporary English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have been angry

This phrase is a more general expression of feeling displeasure or antagonism.

have been upset

This suggests a feeling of distress or unhappiness, often milder than anger.

have been furious

Implies intense anger, often associated with a loss of control.

have been enraged

Conveys a state of extreme anger and indignation.

have been irritated

Indicates a state of slight annoyance or frustration.

have been annoyed

Suggests a mild form of anger or displeasure.

have been indignant

Expresses anger or resentment caused by something unjust or unfair.

have been resentful

Implies a feeling of bitterness or indignation as a result of perceived unfair treatment.

have been displeased

A formal way of expressing dissatisfaction.

have lost my temper

Describes an event where anger reached a peak and control was lost.

FAQs

What's a more formal alternative to "have been mad"?

In professional or formal contexts, you can use alternatives such as "have been angry", "have been upset", or "have been displeased", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How does the intensity of "have been mad" compare to "have been angry"?

"Have been angry" is a general term for feeling displeasure. "Have been mad" can sometimes imply a higher degree of frustration or even irrationality, though context is crucial. Consider whether "have been furious" is a better alternative for extreme anger.

Is it correct to say "have been mad at" or "have been mad with"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "have been mad at" is more common when referring to a person or thing that caused the anger. "Have been mad with" is often used to describe being overwhelmed by a feeling or condition.

When should I avoid using the phrase "have been mad"?

Avoid using "have been mad" in highly formal documents or when discussing sensitive topics where a more nuanced or restrained expression of emotion is required. Consider alternatives like "have been concerned" or "have been disappointed".