mad about something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "mad about something" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express a strong enthusiasm or passion for something. Example: "She is mad about painting and spends every weekend in her studio."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

Was she mad about something?

The New Yorker

He's mad about something, I can tell".

The New York Times - Magazine

Now they're cute and sexy and mad about something.

The New Yorker

I wouldn't get mad about something like that.

The New York Times

I have felt like Kali, a woman on a rampage because I'm mad about something".

The New York Times

The rest of the governors were generally interesting only when they were mad about something.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

"[People are] just grabbing at something to be mad about," singer Tank said.

HuffPost

Or how about something more unusual like a fencing party, a mad scientist show, or a reptile petting zoo?

Los Angeles Times

Mad About Yahoo!

Forbes

"And I'm sure they're mad as hell about something …" All the stars are mad as hell about something these days – because if they weren't, who would be?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"Maybe Warren was mad at Clifton about something else".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "mad about something", ensure the context clarifies whether you mean angry or enthusiastic, as the word "mad" can be ambiguous. Consider alternatives like "angry" or "passionate" to avoid confusion.

Common error

Avoid using "mad about something" in formal contexts where clarity is paramount. The ambiguity of "mad" can lead to misinterpretations; prefer specific terms like "angry", "upset", or "passionate" depending on the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "mad about something" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun or pronoun, expressing a state of emotion—either anger or enthusiasm—regarding a specific subject or situation. Ludwig's examples show it is used in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Wiki

28%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "mad about something" is a common expression used to convey either anger or enthusiasm, depending on context. Ludwig highlights its usage across various sources, primarily news and media, and emphasizes its informal nature. To avoid ambiguity, especially in formal settings, consider using more precise alternatives like "angry" or "passionate". While grammatically correct, it's crucial to ensure the intended emotion is clear to the audience. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is valid in written English. Understanding these nuances helps writers effectively communicate their intended message with clarity and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

crazy about something

Suggests a strong, often irrational, passion that may be more intense than simply being "mad".

passionate about something

Emphasizes a deep emotional commitment or zeal, often with positive connotations.

wild about something

Implies extreme excitement or enthusiasm, adding a sense of uncontrolled energy.

enthusiastic about something

Implies a positive excitement or eagerness, contrasting with the potential negativity of "mad".

obsessed with something

Highlights an excessive preoccupation, differing from a simple state of being "mad".

furious about something

Conveys a higher degree of anger than "mad", indicating intense displeasure.

irate about something

Implies a more formal and intense level of anger or indignation.

angry about something

Directly indicates anger, removing the ambiguity of "mad" which can also mean enthusiastic.

annoyed about something

Indicates a mild degree of anger or irritation, less intense than "mad".

displeased with something

Suggests dissatisfaction or disapproval, which can be a milder form of being "mad".

FAQs

What does "mad about something" mean?

The phrase "mad about something" can mean either very angry about something or very enthusiastic about something. The context usually clarifies the intended meaning.

What can I say instead of "mad about something" if I mean angry?

If you mean angry, you can use alternatives like "angry about something", "furious about something", or "irate about something".

What can I say instead of "mad about something" if I mean enthusiastic?

If you mean enthusiastic, you can use alternatives like "enthusiastic about something", "crazy about something", or "passionate about something".

Is "mad about something" formal or informal?

The phrase "mad about something" is generally considered informal and is more suitable for casual conversation or less formal writing. More formal contexts may require clearer and more precise language.