in the wild

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'in the wild' is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to animals living in their natural habitats. For example, "The tigers roam in the wild in parts of India and Bangladesh."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Few exist in the wild.

The New York Times

I saw a kangaroo in the wild.

The New York Times

"A wild animal belongs in the wild.

The New York Times

Animals in the wild are boring.

The New Yorker

"Could it be replicated in the wild?

The New York Times - Science

In the wild, mice are nocturnal.

The Economist

"They weren't born in the wild.

The New York Times

In the wild, population densities are low.

The Economist

Let everything outand live in the wild.

The New Yorker

Does this happen in the wild?

The New York Times

That trait is critical in the wild.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing animal behavior, use "in the wild" to emphasize natural, uninfluenced actions. For example, "The lions hunt in the wild, unlike their captive counterparts who are fed regularly."

Common error

Avoid using "wildly" when you mean "in the wild". "Wildly" refers to an uncontrolled or excited manner, while "in the wild" indicates a natural, untamed environment. For example, say "These plants grow in the wild" not "These plants grow wildly."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in the wild" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs to describe where an action occurs. It specifies the natural, untamed environment in which something exists or happens. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in the wild" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to describe something existing or occurring naturally, free from human intervention. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used across various domains. Its frequency is 'very common,' particularly in the news and media, academia, and science. Use "in the wild" to emphasize the natural and unmanipulated context, contrasting it with controlled or artificial environments. Avoid confusing it with "wildly," which refers to an uncontrolled manner. Remember, this prepositional phrase can be applied to more than just animals and plants, but also to technology and even sociological settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in their native environment

Highlights the region where a species naturally occurs.

in its natural habitat

Focuses on the specific environment where a species naturally lives.

free-ranging

Describes animals that are not confined and can roam freely.

in nature

A broader term emphasizing the natural world as opposed to artificial environments.

in the wilderness

Emphasizes remote, untamed areas.

in a feral setting

Emphasizes a wild, untamed and uncontrolled setting.

in the open

Suggests a lack of confinement or restriction in a natural setting.

in a natural state

Highlights the unaltered, original condition of something.

in an uncultivated area

Stresses the lack of human intervention or cultivation.

at large

Indicates freedom from captivity or control, often used for animals.

FAQs

How can I use "in the wild" in a sentence?

Use "in the wild" to describe something existing or occurring naturally, without human intervention. For instance, "Scientists study chimpanzees in the wild to understand their natural behaviors."

What is the difference between "wild" and "in the wild"?

"Wild" is an adjective describing something untamed or uncontrolled, while "in the wild" is a prepositional phrase specifying the location or environment where something exists naturally.

What can I say instead of "in the wild" when talking about animals?

Alternatives include "in their natural habitat", "in nature", or "in the wilderness", depending on the specific context you wish to emphasize.

Is it correct to say an animal is "dwelling in the wild"?

Yes, "dwelling in the wild" is a grammatically correct phrase. It emphasizes the animal's residence or lifestyle in a natural, untamed environment.