Furious vs Other people were going berserk

When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.

Furious

Top 2,000 (common)B2adjective

Other people were going berserk

InformalTop 2,000 (common)
Most formal: Furious
 FuriousOther people were going berserk
Pronunciation🇬🇧 /["/ˈfjʊəriəs/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈfjʊriəs/"]/🇬🇧 //bəˈzɜːk//🇺🇸 //bərˈzɜrk//
MeaningVery angry.Other people were getting very angry or crazy.
ExampleShe was furious when she found out someone had scratched her car.Other people were going berserk when the concert was canceled.
RegisterNeutralInformal
How commonTop 2,000 (common)Top 2,000 (common)
CEFR levelB2-
Part of speechadjective
Collocationsbe, feel, look, absolutely, still, reportedly, about, at, overgo berserk, went berserk, going berserk, berserk with rage, drive someone berserk
Antonymscalm, peaceful, tranquil-
Common mistakesConfused with 'fury' which is a noun., Overused in contexts where 'angry' or 'mad' would suffice., Sometimes spelled incorrectly as 'furous'.Confusing with 'berserk' as a noun., Using in overly formal contexts., Mispronouncing the word.
Usage notesUse 'furious' to describe someone who is extremely angry, often in everyday conversation or writing. It would be less appropriate in formal writing or when describing mild irritation.Used informally to describe wild or frantic behavior, often in a chaotic context. Avoid in formal writing.

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Other people were going berserk

Frequently asked questions: Furious vs Other people were going berserk

What's the difference between Furious and Other people were going berserk?

Furious: Very angry. Other people were going berserk: Other people were getting very angry or crazy.

Which is more formal: Furious and Other people were going berserk?

Furious is the most formal of these.

Can you show an example of each?

Furious: She was furious when she found out someone had scratched her car. Other people were going berserk: Other people were going berserk when the concert was canceled.

Can I use Furious and Other people were going berserk interchangeably?

Not always. Furious and Other people were going berserk are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.

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