I crave

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I crave" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a strong desire or longing for something, often related to food, experiences, or emotional connections. Example: "After a long day at work, I crave a slice of chocolate cake to indulge in."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"I crave extremes.

The Guardian - Music

Suddenly I crave solidarity.

The New York Times

I crave company.

The Guardian

I crave stolen glances.

The Guardian

I crave experiencing other cultures and countries.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I crave freedom more than anything.

The Guardian - Film

"I crave the sun," Ms. Mirabito said.

The New York Times

But I find that I crave these.

The Guardian - Opinion

I crave this dessert every year.

The New York Times

I crave it all the time.

The Guardian - Sport

"I crave maximum data about myself," Mr. Jacobs writes.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I crave" to express a deep, often visceral, longing for something, whether it's a sensory experience, an emotional connection, or even an abstract concept. It's stronger than simply "wanting" something.

Common error

While "I crave" is widely accepted, it can sound overly dramatic or informal in certain professional or academic settings. Consider using more neutral alternatives like "I desire" or "I need" in those situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I crave" functions as a statement of strong desire. The verb 'crave' takes a direct object, expressing what the speaker intensely longs for, as shown in Ludwig's examples like "I crave company" or "I crave experiencing other cultures and countries".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

86%

Huffington Post

13%

Vice

1%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I crave" is a widely used expression to convey a strong desire or longing. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and appears frequently in various sources, particularly in news and media. While its usage is generally neutral, it can lean towards informal and may be considered too dramatic for some formal settings. Therefore, context is key when deciding whether to use "I crave" or opt for more neutral alternatives like "I desire" or "I need". Remember that "I crave" is best suited for expressing deep, visceral yearnings rather than simple wants.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I desire

Formal synonym expressing a strong wish or longing.

I long for

Emphasizes a deep yearning or missing something.

I yearn for

Expresses a heartfelt and tender longing.

I hunger for

Implies a strong, almost desperate need.

I thirst for

Similar to "hunger for", suggesting a deep and urgent need.

I have a strong desire for

More explicit and less figurative than "I crave".

I am desperate for

Highlights the urgency and intensity of the need.

I am dying for

Hyperbolic way of expressing a strong wish.

I am itching for

Suggests restlessness and impatience for something.

I am in need of

Focuses on the necessity or requirement for something.

FAQs

What does "I crave" mean?

The phrase "I crave" expresses a strong and often urgent desire or longing for something. It suggests a deep need that goes beyond simple wanting.

What are some alternatives to "I crave"?

You can use alternatives like "I desire", "I long for", or "I yearn for" depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is "I crave" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "I crave" might be perceived as too informal or dramatic in some formal contexts. Consider using alternatives such as "I desire" or "I need" in professional or academic settings.

How can I use "I crave" in a sentence?

Use "I crave" to express a strong longing. For example: "After a long day, I crave a quiet evening at home", or "I crave adventure and new experiences".