wild enough to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "wild enough to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a level of wildness or unpredictability that meets a certain threshold or standard. Example: "The party was wild enough to keep everyone dancing until dawn."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

Essential to protecting wilderness is that there be places wild enough to merit protection.

The New Yorker

Mr. Andoe's teenage years were wild enough to leave some of his friends lost forever.

The New York Times - Books

The Maine pre-wedding festivities turn wild enough to leave "a statistically improbable percentage" of the guests "sporting gauzy bandages".

The New York Times - Books

Her childhood was wild enough to support five different "child's pose" chapters, thanks to an unorthodox, very 1970s family situation.

The New York Times - Books

At its most delinquent, "Black Postcards" records some low-intensity misbehavior involving women and drugs, but nothing wild enough to qualify for beach reading.

The New Yorker

"All I need to know now is if there's anyone on this island who's brave and creative and wild enough to help finish this job.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

Erbil is an oil-rush town where the local powers that be similarly manipulate their ambiguous sovereignty for financial gain — their own, and that of any pioneer wild and wily enough to invest money without having it stolen.

The New Yorker

But that doesn't happen until very late in this crazily beguiling story; and even when it does, the author is a wild enough stylist to get away with a great deal.

The New York Times - Books

The birds were not, when released in the wild, wary enough to avoid devastating predation or to successfully forage for food.

The New York Times - Sports

But just because elephants can become intoxicated doesn't mean that they do it in the wild routinely enough to inspire all the marula tree legends.

BBC

The lack of a noticeable genetic effect on the offspring of hatchery-born coho in the Chehalis River system could be because the wild-born individuals were actually the offspring of hatchery-reared fish and one generation in the wild was not enough to restore a wild genotype.

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "wild enough to", ensure the context clearly establishes what standard of "wildness" is being referenced. For example, specify whether it refers to behavior, landscape, or a different characteristic.

Common error

Avoid using "wild enough to" in contexts where "wild" lacks a clear or specific meaning. Ensure the audience understands the type of wildness you are describing to prevent misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "wild enough to" functions as an adjectival modifier followed by an infinitive. It describes a quality of being sufficiently untamed or extreme to enable a specific action or outcome. As Ludwig AI points out, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "wild enough to" is a versatile phrase used to describe something as sufficiently untamed or extreme to achieve a particular outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, and the phrase commonly appears in diverse contexts, especially within News & Media. While generally neutral in register, it's important to consider the specific type of "wildness" being described to ensure clarity. For more formal settings, alternatives like "sufficiently untamed" may be considered. This phrase effectively communicates that a certain level of wildness is not only present but also necessary for a given result.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sufficiently untamed to

Emphasizes a lack of domestication or control as the qualifying factor.

crazy enough to

Highlights the recklessness or impulsivity associated with the action.

unruly enough to

Focuses on the lack of order or discipline as the defining characteristic.

intense enough to

Emphasizes the strength or forcefulness required.

extreme enough to

Highlights the exceptional or extraordinary nature of the situation.

bold enough to

Stresses the courage or audacity needed.

adventurous enough to

Focuses on the willingness to take risks or explore new experiences.

outlandish enough to

Highlights the bizarre or unconventional aspect.

radical enough to

Emphasizes the fundamental or revolutionary nature.

daring enough to

Stresses the willingness to face danger or opposition.

FAQs

How can I use "wild enough to" in a sentence?

You can use "wild enough to" to describe something that possesses a sufficient degree of untamed or uncontrolled qualities for a particular purpose or outcome. For instance, "The music was "wild enough to" get everyone dancing."

What are some alternatives to "wild enough to"?

Alternatives to "wild enough to" include "crazy enough to", "unruly enough to", or "intense enough to", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "wild enough to" in formal writing?

While "wild enough to" is grammatically correct, its appropriateness in formal writing depends on the context. It may be more suitable for describing scenarios where less formal language is acceptable. Consider alternatives like "sufficiently untamed" for a more formal tone.

What does "wild" mean in the context of "wild enough to"?

In the context of "wild enough to", "wild" refers to a state of being uncontrolled, untamed, or extreme. It implies a lack of restraint or predictability. The specific interpretation varies depending on the subject being described.