a great appetite

USAGE SUMMARY

"a great appetite" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe someone's strong desire or hunger for food. For example: "She had a great appetite and couldn't resist ordering a second helping of her favorite pasta dish."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

Martha had a great appetite.

The New York Times - Health

"He's got a great appetite for the game.

Independent

"We have a great appetite for other cultures".

The New York Times

She was a woman of extraordinary taste with a great appetite for life.

The New York Times

He's prodigiously talented, has a great facility for staging and a great appetite for work".

The New Yorker

China has a great appetite for energy, which will continue to grow.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

Last year's Conservative conference was livelier, with a greater appetite for ideas and debate.

Independent

There are signs of radicalisation among the protesters, and a greater appetite for repression in the Kremlin.

The Economist

But, in 2011, there may have been a greater appetite than usual for investigations of new products.

The New Yorker

Negin is a fine draftswoman, with a subtle sense of color, and if she had a greater appetite for self-promotion she might be a celebrated painter.

The New Yorker

It's safe to say that there never was a choreographer with a greater appetite for performing at different locations than Merce Cunningham.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a great appetite" to describe a strong enthusiasm or desire for something, not just food. For instance, "He had a great appetite for learning new languages."

Common error

Avoid limiting the use of "a great appetite" solely to describing hunger for food. Expand its application to represent eagerness for knowledge, experiences, or other pursuits.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a great appetite" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the object of a verb or preposition. It describes a strong desire or enthusiasm for something, which could be food, learning, or life itself, as supported by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a great appetite" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase that signifies a strong desire or enthusiasm for something. While it can relate to food, it's often used metaphorically to describe eagerness for various experiences or pursuits. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides several examples from reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian. To avoid misuse, remember that while "a healthy appetite" typically relates to food, "a great appetite" has a broader application. Consider alternative expressions like "keen interest" or "profound enthusiasm" depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

voracious hunger

Uses a synonym for appetite to emphasize the intensity of the desire.

substantial craving

Emphasizes the intensity of the desire, suggesting a strong need or longing.

keen interest

Substitutes "appetite" with a term emphasizing intellectual or emotional engagement.

considerable eagerness

Focuses on the anticipation and excitement associated with the desire.

strong inclination

Replaces "appetite" with a more general term for preference; less focused on physical desire.

intense passion

Replaces "appetite" with a term emphasizing emotional intensity and fervor.

profound enthusiasm

Emphasizes the intensity of interest or passion, moving away from the hunger metaphor.

marked fondness

Implies a gentle and affectionate liking for something, a milder form of desire.

remarkable capacity

Shifts the focus from desire to the ability to handle or consume something.

deep-seated yearning

Emphasizes a profound and persistent longing, often for something unattainable.

FAQs

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

You can use "a great appetite" to describe someone's strong desire or enthusiasm for something. For instance: "She has "a great appetite" for adventure."

What are some synonyms for "a great appetite"?

Alternatives to "a great appetite" include "keen interest", "profound enthusiasm", or "voracious hunger" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "a great appetite for life"?

Yes, it is perfectly acceptable to say "a great appetite for life". It means having a strong enthusiasm and zest for living.

What's the difference between "a great appetite" and "a healthy appetite"?

"A healthy appetite" typically refers to a normal and robust desire for food, while "a great appetite" can refer to an exceptionally strong desire for food, or a strong enthusiasm for anything, not necessarily food.