I craved

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I craved" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a strong desire or longing for something, often related to food, experiences, or emotional connections. Example: "After a long day at work, I craved a slice of chocolate cake to indulge in."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It's what I craved.

The New York Times - Food

I craved a whiskey.

The New Yorker

It was what I craved.

The New York Times

I craved knowledge.

The Guardian

I craved facts.

The Guardian

I craved something that felt like spring.

The New York Times - Food

That was what I craved.

The Guardian

"I craved every minute," Whitford said.

The New York Times - Sports

I craved to be like everybody else".

The New Yorker

There was a time I craved escape.

The New Yorker

I wanted an anchor – I craved it.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I craved" to express a powerful desire or longing, especially when describing emotional or sensory experiences. It adds a personal and evocative touch to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "I craved" excessively in formal or professional writing. While effective in personal narratives, it can sound overly dramatic or informal in business reports or academic papers. Opt for more neutral alternatives like "I desired" or "I sought".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I craved" functions as a verb phrase expressing a past desire or longing. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a valid and common expression used to convey a strong personal want. Examples include "I craved knowledge" or "I craved meat".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I craved" effectively conveys a strong sense of longing or desire. According to Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and commonly used. The phrase sees high usage in news and media contexts. When using "I craved", consider the context and audience. While acceptable in many scenarios, it may be too informal for formal or professional writing, in which case alternatives such as "I desired" or "I longed for" might be more appropriate. Remember to harness this evocative phrase to enrich your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I longed for

Emphasizes a deep yearning or wistful desire.

I yearned for

Highlights a strong, often emotional, desire.

I desired

A more formal and general term for wanting something strongly.

I hungered for

Implies a very strong, almost desperate, need or desire.

I thirsted for

Similar to 'hungered for', but often used metaphorically for non-food desires.

I pined for

Suggests a melancholic longing, often for something unattainable.

I was itching for

Indicates an intense desire to do something, suggesting impatience.

I had a strong desire for

A more explicit and less idiomatic way to express a strong want.

I felt a deep longing for

Highlights the emotional aspect of wanting something.

I was dying for

An informal expression of wanting something very much.

FAQs

What does "I craved" mean?

"I craved" means you had a strong desire or longing for something. It suggests an intense need or want, often related to food, comfort, or emotional fulfillment.

What can I say instead of "I craved"?

You can use alternatives like "I longed for", "I yearned for", or "I desired" depending on the context.

Is "I craved" formal or informal?

"I craved" is generally considered more informal than "I desired" but is acceptable in many writing contexts, especially when expressing personal feelings or experiences. However, it's less suitable for formal or professional documents.

How to use "I craved" in a sentence?

You can use "I craved" to describe a strong desire for something. For example: "After a long day, "I craved" a hot bath" or "During the cold winter months, "I craved" the warmth of the sun".