running wild

USAGE SUMMARY

"running wild" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe something that is uncontrolled or free-spirited. Example: The children were running wild in the park, laughing and playing. Alternative expressions include "going rogue," "out of control," and "unrestrained."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Cat tribes running wild.

The New Yorker

"Simply put, radical Islam is running wild".

The Guardian

The horse kept running wild.

The New York Times - Magazine

They're just running wild," Mr. Viviano said.

The New York Times

"Everyone is running wild," she said.

The New York Times

Inflation in these penalties is running wild, they cry.

The Guardian - Business

"We definitely have to worry about them running wild".

The New York Times - Sports

We would be running wild on the marshes, birdwatching.

The Guardian - Books

A Danish lawyer once said the court was running wild.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Run wild like savages".

The New Yorker

The students ran wild.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "running wild" to describe situations where there is a lack of control or restraint, such as children playing freely or speculation escalating quickly.

Common error

While "running wild" is a vivid phrase, avoid overusing it in your writing. Opt for more precise language to convey specific nuances of lack of control or freedom, like "out of control" or "unrestrained", to maintain clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "running wild" functions primarily as a verb phrase, often used to describe a state of being unrestrained or out of control. Ludwig provides examples across diverse contexts, highlighting its versatility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "running wild" is a versatile and commonly used verb phrase that effectively conveys a lack of control or restraint. As Ludwig confirms, it is grammatically correct and appears frequently across diverse contexts, particularly in news and media. While generally neutral in register, its impact is undeniable. Remember to use it judiciously and consider alternatives like "out of control" or "unrestrained" for specific nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

uncontrolled

Directly states the absence of control.

out of control

Emphasizes a lack of regulation or restraint.

rampaging

Suggests violent or destructive uncontrolled behavior.

unrestrained

Highlights the absence of limits or restrictions.

on the loose

Implies freedom from captivity or confinement.

amok

Implies chaotic and disruptive behavior.

unleashed

Suggests a sudden release of pent-up energy or force.

going rogue

Indicates independent action that deviates from established norms.

unchecked

Stresses the lack of oversight or supervision.

without limits

Emphasizes the absence of boundaries or constraints.

FAQs

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

You can use "running wild" to describe something or someone behaving without restraint. For instance, "The rumors about the company's future were running wild after the announcement" or "The children were running wild in the backyard during the party".

What does it mean when someone says something is "running wild"?

When something is "running wild", it signifies that it is out of control, unrestrained, or spreading rapidly and without check. This can apply to emotions, rumors, animals, or even plants.

What can I say instead of "running wild"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "out of control", "unrestrained", "on the loose", or "going rogue".

Is "running wild" formal or informal language?

"Running wild" is generally considered informal language. While it's acceptable in many contexts, more formal situations might call for alternatives such as "uncontrolled" or "unchecked".