a sweet tooth

USAGE SUMMARY

"a sweet tooth" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who enjoys eating sugary snacks. For example: "My youngest daughter has a sweet tooth, so I always have to buy her candy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Pablo has a sweet tooth.

The New York Times - Travel

Not got a sweet tooth?

The Guardian - Travel

"I have a sweet tooth.

The Guardian - Arts

I'm spared a sweet tooth.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"I have a sweet tooth," she confessed.

The New York Times

They also have a sweet tooth.

The New York Times - Travel

2. It helps tame a sweet tooth.

Harvard University

I am also a sweet tooth.

The New York Times

I haven't got a sweet tooth.

The Guardian - Sport

I haven't really got a sweet tooth.

The Guardian - Music

I don't even have that much of a sweet tooth.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

The phrase is versatile enough for both informal conversation and high-level journalism, though you might choose 'predilection for sweets' in strictly formal scientific papers.

Common error

Since "a sweet tooth" is a fixed idiom, do not pluralize the word 'tooth' to 'teeth' when describing a group of people. Instead of saying 'They all have sweet teeth', say 'They all have "a sweet tooth".'

How to use

Learn how to use "a sweet tooth" with practical examples and tips.

How to use

Linguistic Context

"a sweet tooth" functions as a fixed idiomatic noun phrase. In a sentence, it typically acts as the direct object of transitive verbs like 'have', 'satisfy' or 'tame'. Ludwig AI illustrates that while 'tooth' is the head noun, the phrase functions as a singular unit representing a taste preference.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

10%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Science

4%

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a sweet tooth" is a highly effective and grammatically correct idiom used to describe a love for sugary foods. Data from Ludwig confirms its ubiquity across the most prestigious English-language publications, from The New York Times to Harvard University. While it is primarily used to discuss dietary habits, its metaphorical flexibility allows writers to describe various types of cravings or indulgences. It is a stable, safe and expressive choice for writers at all levels.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fondness for sweets

Uses a more literal description of the affinity for sugary foods.

sugar cravings

Focuses on the physiological or psychological desire for sugar rather than the personality trait.

love for sugar

A simpler, more direct emotional description of the preference.

sweet-toothed

Changes the noun phrase into an adjective used to describe a person.

preference for desserts

A more formal and specific way to describe the liking for sweet courses.

craving for candy

Narrows the scope to a specific type of sweet food.

partiality to sweets

Uses a more sophisticated vocabulary suitable for formal writing.

penchant for sugar

An elevated synonym for a strong or habitual liking.

liking for treats

A broad and casual alternative used in everyday conversation.

sugary appetite

Describes the hunger specifically directed toward sweet flavors.

FAQs

What does it mean to have "a sweet tooth"?

It is an idiomatic expression used to describe someone who has a strong liking or "fondness for sweets" such as candy, cakes and cookies.

How do you use "a sweet tooth" in a sentence?

You can use it simply, for example: 'My brother has "a sweet tooth", so he always orders dessert first.' Ludwig examples show it can also be used as a noun for the person themselves, such as 'I am also "a sweet tooth".'

Is "a sweet tooth" formal or informal?

The phrase is generally considered neutral. While it is an idiom, it is frequently used in high-quality publications like The New York Times and The New Yorker, making it perfectly acceptable for most writing except for highly technical or formal scientific reports.

What is a more formal alternative to "a sweet tooth"?

In a formal or academic context, you might replace it with a "preference for sugary foods" or a "predilection for sweets".