wild

USAGE SUMMARY

"wild" is a perfectly acceptable word in written English.
You can use it to describe someone or something that is out of control, untamed, or unpredictable. Example sentence: The fans went wild when the rock band took the stage.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Sport

Environment

Music

Film

Opinion

Lifestyle

Arts

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was wild".

The New York Times - Magazine

Other than the US Open (where she has received several main-draw wild cards), this is only the second Grand Slam main draw for Gibbs, after getting direct entry into the Australian Open in January.

The Guardian - Sport

First-round opponent: [WC] Manon Arcangioli (FRA) Drawing a home-country wild card in a Grand Slam is about as good as it gets, and Arcangioli, a 20-year-old ranked No275, is a break.

The Guardian - Sport

Mawle employed three keepers whose work included controlling predators (foxes, stoats, crows) by legal means to ensure a healthy wild grouse population.

The Guardian

"The status of the African golden cat in the wild has never been rigorously assessed, but the species is increasingly threatened by habitat degradation, loss and fragmentation, and by unsustainable hunting," according to one study.

The Guardian

Conservationists have recorded dramatic and rare video of the African golden cat, the continent's least-studied wild cat.

The Guardian

Most weeks on Match of the Day you see at least one wild tackle that the panel agree should have been punished by dismissal.

The Guardian - Sport

This is as good a time to be a British wild bird as any in the last century.

The Guardian - Travel

The chef sets up a stall in the middle of the Campo and the genial Carlo and Davide serve up heaped plates of the dish of the day, which could be a delicious fritto misto, wild mushroom risotto or tasty goulash, priced at €7-10 with a glass of wine included.

The Guardian - Travel

Christophe Berra saw red and 25,000 fans in yellow went wild, sensing that that was probably the moment where the most tense of East Anglian derbies had turned in Norwich City's favour.

The Guardian - Sport

Wild Beasts Smother "I discovered Wild Beasts on their second record, Two Dancers, but was completely absorbed in it for months.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "wild" to describe enthusiasm or excitement, ensure the context clarifies whether it's positive or negative. For example, "wild applause" is positive, while "wild accusations" are negative.

Common error

Avoid using "wild" excessively as a general intensifier. Opt for more specific adjectives like "unpredictable", "unconventional" or "extreme" to convey the intended meaning more precisely.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "wild" primarily functions to describe a noun as being in a natural, untamed, or uncontrolled state. Ludwig's examples show its use in diverse contexts, ranging from describing animals to abstract concepts like energy and tales.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Travel

15%

Sport

10%

Less common in

Environment

8%

Music

7%

Film

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The adjective "wild" is a versatile term used to describe something untamed, unrestrained, or chaotic. According to Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and widely used in various contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media, Travel, and Sport, its frequency underscores its relevance across diverse domains. While its flexibility is advantageous, avoiding overuse and opting for more precise adjectives enhances clarity. In summary, "wild" is a valuable tool for writers when used thoughtfully and appropriately.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

untamed

Emphasizes the lack of domestication or control.

unrestrained

Focuses on the absence of limitations or boundaries.

feral

Suggests a return to a wild state from domestication.

turbulent

Highlights the chaotic and unstable nature.

unruly

Implies a lack of discipline or order.

chaotic

Focuses on complete disorder and confusion.

rampant

Indicates something spreading uncontrollably.

frenzied

Describes a state of wild excitement or agitation.

uncontrolled

Highlights the absence of regulation or management.

lawless

Suggests a lack of legal or moral constraints.

FAQs

How can I use "wild" in a sentence?

You can use "wild" to describe something untamed, unrestrained, or chaotic. For example, "The fans went "wild" when the band started playing" or "The storm created a "wild" sea".

What can I say instead of "wild"?

You can use alternatives like "untamed", "unrestrained", or "chaotic" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "a wild party" or "an wild party"?

It is correct to say "a "wild" party" because "wild" starts with a consonant sound, so you use the article "a".

What's the difference between "wild" and "feral"?

"Wild" generally refers to something in its natural, untamed state. "Feral" specifically describes an animal that was once domesticated but has returned to a "wild" state.