went mad for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "went mad for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a strong enthusiasm or obsession for something, often in a casual or informal context. Example: "She went mad for the new coffee shop that opened downtown, visiting it every day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Books

Music

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

Britain went mad for weeks.

The Guardian

Then Australia went mad for scooters.

The New York Times

On another day I went mad for ferns.

The New York Times - Travel

The entire team went mad for a pitcher with balletic form and skater hair.

The New York Times

But Shoriki's intuition worked: ordinary Japanese went mad for Ruth and his team.

The Economist

It was America that went mad for it, they loved it.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

I go mad for the pasta.

The New York Times

"Everyone's gone mad for it".

The Guardian - Opinion

Britain has apparently gone mad for ukuleles.

The Guardian - Film

My daughter goes mad for those... and some great bread".

Independent

Madame Vreeland would have gone mad for these".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "went mad for" to convey strong enthusiasm or infatuation, especially when describing trends, popular culture, or personal passions. It adds a touch of hyperbole and informality.

Common error

Avoid using "went mad for" in formal or academic writing. Opt for more professional alternatives like "developed a strong interest in" or "became highly enthusiastic about" to maintain a suitable tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "went mad for" functions as an idiomatic expression used to convey strong enthusiasm or obsession. Ludwig examples illustrate its usage in describing popular trends or personal preferences. The Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Lifestyle

10%

Music

5%

Less common in

Books

3%

Science

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "went mad for" is a common idiomatic expression used to describe a strong enthusiasm or obsession for something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. Predominantly used in informal contexts such as news articles, lifestyle blogs, and casual conversations, it conveys a sense of excitement or infatuation. While effective for emphasizing strong interest, it's advisable to use more formal alternatives in academic or professional settings. Top sources like The Guardian and The New York Times frequently employ this phrase to depict popular trends or cultural phenomena.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

went crazy for

Slightly more informal and emphasizes excitement.

was wild about

Informal and conveys a sense of excitement and exuberance.

fell in love with

Highlights a strong emotional connection and fondness.

became obsessed with

Focuses on the obsessive aspect of the enthusiasm.

was captivated by

Emphasizes the enchanting or mesmerizing quality of something.

was enamored with

Suggests a sense of charm and attraction.

developed a passion for

More formal and highlights a growing interest.

took a shine to

Informal and implies a sudden fondness.

was enthusiastic about

More straightforward and less intense.

took a liking to

Milder expression of enjoying something.

FAQs

What does "went mad for" mean?

The phrase "went mad for" means to become extremely enthusiastic or obsessed with something. It suggests a strong and often sudden infatuation.

What can I say instead of "went mad for"?

You can use alternatives like "went crazy for", "became obsessed with", or "fell in love with" depending on the context.

Is "went mad for" formal or informal?

"Went mad for" is considered an informal phrase. It is best suited for casual conversations, news articles, or blog posts rather than formal academic papers or business reports.

How do I use "went mad for" in a sentence?

You can use "went mad for" to describe someone's intense enthusiasm for something, as in, "The world "went mad for" Meghan Markle in 2018" or "I "went mad for" the pasta at that restaurant".