a powerful craving

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a powerful craving" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a strong desire or longing for something, often in contexts related to food, addiction, or emotional needs. Example: "After weeks of dieting, I found myself with a powerful craving for chocolate cake."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

But a powerful craving for alcohol, despite its consequences, is common across that spectrum.

The Washington Post

But the very existence of that hagiography expresses a powerful craving for stability, maturity and dignity in global affairs.

The Guardian - Opinion

I don't think of myself as an adrenaline fiend, but I developed a powerful craving for high speeds and steep drops.

The New York Times - Travel

In a pretty glass with a fleur de lis on it!" I've said before that I prefer making bloody marys to drinking them, but as soon as Susan mentioned the drink, even I got a powerful craving for one.

The New York Times

Chairman Doug Ivester noted that people watching, say, a sports event in summer heat would naturally develop a powerful craving for a drink.

Los Angeles Times

If you're just feeling a powerful craving though you're full, then you should find a way to cope with the feeling, such as taking a walk or doing something else to distract yourself from the craving.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

But Prince's personality seems to be governed by two oppositional impulses: the hunger to create and an equally powerful craving for control.

Los Angeles Times

When a person knowingly will use a potentially dirty needle to get high, isn't it obvious that the incredibly powerful craving for heroin will not be overcome today by preaching abstinence and education?

The New York Times

If you're having an all-powerful craving for peanut butter, just have a spoonful of peanut butter with a banana.

WikiHow

Designed by Giorgio Vasari in 1564 and spanning a length of 1.2km, officially the passageway was created for the celebration of the Duke's son's marriage, but Cosimo was also a powerful man who craved privacy and feared assassination.

BBC

SOMETIMES when I crave a powerful dose of humility — the kind of humility that can come only from fully apprehending the lot of those less fortunate than me — I turn my attention to the plight of the former White House press secretary Ari Fleischer.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a "powerful craving", be specific about what the craving is for. Instead of saying "She had a powerful craving", specify "She had a powerful craving for chocolate".

Common error

Avoid using "a powerful craving" to describe minor or fleeting desires. This phrase is best reserved for significant, intense longings, as its strength can sound hyperbolic if applied casually.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a powerful craving" functions as a noun phrase, where "powerful" modifies the noun "craving". According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is commonly used. Examples from Ludwig show it describing strong desires for alcohol, adrenaline, or specific foods.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a powerful craving" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase for expressing a strong and often irresistible desire or longing. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and usable in written English, it commonly appears in News & Media and Wiki sources. While versatile, it's best reserved for describing significant, intense longings, ensuring the tone remains appropriate. Alternatives include "an intense longing" or "an overwhelming desire". Remember to be specific about the object of the craving for clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an intense longing

Replaces "craving" with "longing" and "powerful" with "intense", altering the intensity and emotional tone slightly.

an overwhelming desire

Substitutes "craving" with "desire" and "powerful" with "overwhelming", emphasizing the intensity of the feeling.

an uncontrollable urge

Replaces "craving" with "urge" and "powerful" with "uncontrollable", shifting the focus to a lack of self-control.

a strong yearning

Uses "yearning" instead of "craving" and "strong" instead of "powerful" to convey a deep and emotional longing.

a consuming hunger

Employs "hunger" instead of "craving" and "consuming" instead of "powerful", suggesting an all-encompassing desire.

a compelling need

Replaces "craving" with "need" and "powerful" with "compelling", indicating a strong sense of necessity.

an insatiable appetite

Substitutes "craving" with "appetite" and "powerful" with "insatiable", conveying a desire that cannot be satisfied.

a fierce desire

Uses "desire" instead of "craving" and "fierce" instead of "powerful", highlighting the intensity and passion of the feeling.

a deep-seated longing

Replaces "craving" with "longing" and "powerful" with "deep-seated", emphasizing the emotional and ingrained nature of the desire.

a burning passion

Substitutes "craving" with "passion" and "powerful" with "burning", conveying a strong and intense emotional desire.

FAQs

How can I use "a powerful craving" in a sentence?

You can use "a powerful craving" to describe a strong desire or longing for something. For example, "After months of dieting, she experienced "a powerful craving" for sweets."

What are some alternatives to "a powerful craving"?

Alternatives include "an intense longing", "an overwhelming desire", or "an uncontrollable urge", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a powerful craving" in formal writing?

Yes, "a powerful craving" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when describing strong desires or needs. However, consider the context and ensure the tone aligns with the overall piece.

What is the difference between "a strong desire" and "a powerful craving"?

"A strong desire" is a general term for wanting something, while ""a powerful craving"" implies a more intense, often irresistible, urge. The latter suggests a greater degree of intensity and compulsion.