run riot

USAGE SUMMARY

"run riot" is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used to mean that someone or something is doing something uncontrolled or excessively, often in a negative way. For example: "The kids had run riot while their parents were away."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Let tense run riot.

The New Yorker

But your children can run riot.

Independent

Artistic imagination has often run riot.

The New York Times - Arts

Then let your imagination run riot.

The New York Times - Science

If it did, business on the Web could run riot.

The Economist

I have one of those imaginations that run riot.

The New York Times

Am prepared to run riot exercising my druthers.

The Guardian - Books

It is like watching somebody's repressed unconscious run riot.

The Guardian

There, Hoodless has let her imagination run riot.

The Guardian

Deep emotions begin to resurface and hormones run riot.

The Guardian - Books

It's easy to dismiss the fuss as political correctness in America once again run riot.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "run riot" to vividly describe situations where there is a lack of control, whether it's about people, emotions, or even abstract concepts like imagination.

Common error

Avoid using "run riot" to describe simple disagreements or minor inconveniences. This phrase is most effective when conveying a sense of significant disruption or unrestrained behavior.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "run riot" primarily functions as an idiomatic verb phrase. It describes a situation where something or someone is behaving in an uncontrolled and often destructive manner. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable status in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the idiomatic verb phrase "run riot" describes unrestrained and often disruptive behavior. Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically correct and appropriate for use in written English, particularly in news and media contexts. While versatile, it's most effective when depicting significant disorder. Consider alternatives like "get out of hand" or "go wild" for varied expression. The phrase conveys a sense of something being out of control, whether referring to children, emotions, or abstract concepts. The numerous examples provided by Ludwig showcase its widespread use and diverse applications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be unrestrained

This highlights the lack of control or limitation in behavior.

get out of hand

This phrase means to become unmanageable or uncontrollable.

create chaos

This alternative emphasizes the disruptive and disordered outcome of uncontrolled behavior.

become unruly

This phrase suggests a lapse into disorder and disobedience.

go wild

This alternative implies unrestrained behavior, often in a celebratory or enthusiastic manner.

get carried away

Suggests losing control due to excitement or enthusiasm.

act up

This suggests misbehavior or unruly conduct, particularly by children or machines.

break loose

Implies escaping control or confinement and acting freely.

go berserk

Implies a state of violent or destructive frenzy.

behave badly

A general term for acting inappropriately or unacceptably.

FAQs

How can I use "run riot" in a sentence?

You can use "run riot" to describe uncontrolled behavior. For example, "The children "went wild" and "ran riot" while the babysitter was distracted".

What does it mean when someone says emotions "run riot"?

When emotions "run riot", it means they are "unrestrained" and out of control, often leading to irrational behavior or decisions.

What can I say instead of "run riot"?

You can use alternatives like "get out of hand", "go wild", or "create chaos" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "run riot" in formal writing?

While "run riot" is widely understood, it might be more suitable for informal or journalistic contexts. In formal writing, consider more precise terms like "become unruly" or "be unrestrained".