a certain appetite

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a certain appetite" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a specific desire or craving for something, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "After a long day at work, I found myself with a certain appetite for adventure and exploration."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

His spruce outline announces a certain appetite for the world.

The New Yorker

AS A chain-smoking doctor, Ewa Kopacz clearly has a certain appetite for personal risk.

The Economist

You can't be in aviation if you don't have a certain appetite for risk and a love of competition.

The New York Times

"Everyone on the market side will tell you the market has a certain appetite for these kinds of bonds".

The New York Times

The Pope's words, and the public response to them, suggest that just now with the top income share rising, the share of income going to labour falling, and real wages and employment rates stagnant there is a certain appetite for calls for change.

The Economist

I began to notice that the men I was attracting had a certain appetite for youth.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

At the same time, his terrifying concentration and his refusal to acknowledge certain appetites lead to a conclusion seldom reached about performers in ballet or other musical forms: Fred Astaire was not human, not sexual, not sexed.

The New York Times - Books

For example, Stevenson deleted the following line: "From an early age, however, I became in secret the slave of certain appetites".

The Guardian - Books

"It provides opportunities to men with certain appetites but seldom changes personality in any fundamental way".

The New York Times

Silk and secret codes do satisfy certain appetites for two nights.

The New Yorker

But certain appetite-related hormones, in particular ghrelin, which stimulates hunger, are known to be instrumental in determining how much we consume.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a certain appetite" to subtly convey a specific desire or inclination, often when the desire is not explicitly stated or is somewhat unusual.

Common error

Avoid using "a certain appetite" too frequently in your writing, as it can become repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms or more descriptive phrases to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a certain appetite" functions as a noun phrase, where "certain" modifies the noun "appetite". It generally expresses a specific, though perhaps not explicitly defined, desire or inclination. As Ludwig AI highlights, this construction is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a certain appetite" is a grammatically sound and subtly nuanced expression used to convey a specific, though not always explicitly stated, desire or inclination. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. Its usage spans various contexts, from personal preferences to market dynamics, with a slightly more frequent occurrence in News & Media. While not exceedingly common, it adds a layer of specificity to the idea of having an appetite for something. Related phrases include "a specific desire" and "a particular inclination", offering alternative ways to express similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a specific desire

Substitutes "appetite" with "desire", highlighting a strong feeling of wanting something specific.

a definite craving

Highlights a strong, almost irresistible desire for something.

a particular inclination

Replaces "appetite" with a more formal term, "inclination", emphasizing a preference or tendency.

a distinct liking

Replaces "appetite" with "liking", suggesting a fondness or enjoyment of something particular.

a noticeable yearning

Highlights a strong desire or longing that is easily observed.

a marked interest

Emphasizes the presence of a noticeable and specific interest in something.

a demonstrable enthusiasm

Indicates a clear and evident excitement or eagerness.

a peculiar fondness

Suggests an unusual or unique liking for something.

a singular passion

Emphasizes a unique and intense enthusiasm for something.

a characteristic predilection

Replaces both "certain" and "appetite" with more formal terms, suggesting a typical or habitual preference.

FAQs

How can I use "a certain appetite" in a sentence?

You can use "a certain appetite" to describe a specific desire or inclination. For example, "The market has "a certain appetite" for these kinds of bonds."

What are some alternatives to "a certain appetite"?

Some alternatives include "a specific desire", "a particular inclination", or "a distinct liking", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "a certain appetite" or "a strong appetite"?

"A strong appetite" implies a general eagerness or hunger, while "a certain appetite" suggests a more specific, defined desire. The better choice depends on the intended meaning.

What does it mean to have "a certain appetite" for something abstract, like risk?

When used with abstract concepts, "a certain appetite" implies a willingness or inclination to engage with or experience that concept. For instance, "You can't be in aviation if you don't have "a certain appetite" for risk" suggests a willingness to take risks is necessary.