Meaning & use
fits of rage
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Meanings
phraseplural
Sudden, intense bursts of uncontrollable anger.
Grammar: Always plural; the singular is 'a fit of rage'. Used as a noun phrase.
Patterns
- have fits of rage
- throw fits of rage
- suffer from fits of rage
He has fits of rage that frighten his family.
She threw a fit of rage when she saw the broken vase.
The patient's fits of rage became less frequent with treatment.
phraseplural
Brief periods of violent, angry behavior.
Grammar: Often used with 'of' to describe what the rage is about: fits of rage over small things.
Patterns
- fits of rage over something
- fits of rage at something
His fits of rage over minor issues worried his colleagues.
The child had fits of rage at bedtime.
Common combinations
- throw a fit of rage
- He threw a fit of rage when he lost the game.
- have fits of rage
- People with this condition may have fits of rage.
- suffer from fits of rage
- She suffers from fits of rage triggered by stress.
- violent fits of rage
- The movie shows a character with violent fits of rage.
Synonyms and how they differ
- tantrums
- Tantrums are more common in children and often include crying or sulking, while fits of rage emphasize anger.
- outbursts
- Outbursts can be any sudden emotional release, not only anger.
- rages
- Rages are longer-lasting periods of anger, not sudden fits.
Opposites
Word family
Commonly confused: fits of rage or fit?
fits of rage vs fit
A 'fit' can also mean a sudden attack of illness (like an epileptic fit), so 'fits of rage' specifically refers to anger, not illness.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'fits of rage' correctly?
Choose one answer.
The phrase is plural and takes a plural verb: 'has fits of rage'. Option A uses 'a' with plural, option C is not a natural structure, and option D uses 'fit' as a verb incorrectly.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “fits of rage”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.