mad enough

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "mad enough" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a level of anger or frustration that is significant or extreme. Example: "After hearing the news, she was mad enough to confront her boss about the unfair treatment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

She was mad enough to kill him.

The New Yorker

It's almost mad enough to become fashionable.

The Guardian - Arts

That made her mad enough to try out again.

The New York Times - Sports

I wasn't mad enough, not crazy enough, not obsessive enough.

The New York Times

He thought the professionals in "Blue/Orange" not mad enough.

The New York Times

"And he's mad enough already to do the part justice.

The New York Times

The year, he says, cannot be mad enough.

The Guardian

The question is, are they mad enough to do it?

The Guardian

If the Brewers were mad enough, they could get Wright any number of ways.

The New York Times

"It's a bit mad, innit?" It would indeed be mad enough for any election.

Independent

He's mad enough really to participate in the vision of the artist".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "mad enough" to emphasize the emotional intensity that drives someone to take a particular action. For instance, "He was mad enough to quit his job on the spot."

Common error

Avoid using "mad enough" in highly formal writing, as it might sound too colloquial. Opt for more formal alternatives like "sufficiently angry" or "extremely frustrated".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "mad enough" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun (often implied). It expresses a sufficient degree of anger or frustration to motivate a particular action or state of mind. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used to emphasize emotional intensity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Encyclopedias

15%

Sports

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "mad enough" is a commonly used adjectival phrase that signifies a sufficient level of anger or frustration motivating a specific action. As Ludwig AI indicates, it correctly conveys a significant or extreme level of emotional intensity. The phrase is used primarily in news and media, with usage also appearing in encyclopedias and sports contexts. While grammatically sound, it leans towards informal language, making it less suitable for highly formal or academic writing. Alternatives like "furious enough" or "angry enough" may be more appropriate in such settings. Its widespread use and clear meaning make it a valuable part of everyday communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

furious enough

Replaces "mad" with a more intense synonym, indicating a higher level of anger.

sufficiently angry

Focuses on the level of anger being adequate for a specific action or feeling.

enraged enough

Similar to "furious enough", but with a stronger connotation of being filled with rage.

sufficiently enraged

Implies a higher degree of anger and intensity than the original phrase.

crazy enough

Suggests a state of being beyond reason due to intense emotion or situation.

irrational enough

Shifts the focus from anger to a state of being unreasonable or illogical.

sufficiently frustrated

Highlights the feeling of being upset or annoyed due to an inability to change or achieve something.

angry to the point of

Emphasizes the extreme level of anger, suggesting an impending action.

wild enough

Conveys a sense of being unrestrained or uncontrolled, often due to strong emotions.

desperate enough

Shifts the focus from anger to a feeling of hopelessness that may lead to drastic actions.

FAQs

How can I use "mad enough" in a sentence?

You can use "mad enough" to describe someone's emotional state leading them to take drastic action. For example: "She was "angry enough" to confront the CEO directly".

What are some alternatives to saying "mad enough"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases such as "furious enough", "angry enough", or even "crazy enough". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "mad enough" considered formal or informal language?

"Mad enough" leans towards the informal side. In professional or academic writing, consider using more formal alternatives like "sufficiently angered" or "extremely frustrated".

What does it mean when someone says they are "mad enough" to do something?

It means they are so angry or frustrated that they are willing to take extreme or unusual actions. It suggests a loss of control or a willingness to disregard consequences.