a thirst for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a thirst for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a strong desire or craving for something, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "She has a thirst for knowledge that drives her to read every book she can find."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Parents must instill a thirst for learning.

The New York Times

It was a thirst for redemption.

The New York Times - Magazine

A THIRST FOR RAIN, by Roslyn Carrington.

The New York Times - Books

"She had a thirst for knowledge.

The New York Times

That leads to a thirst for accountability.

The Guardian

"Manzanar," however, quenches only slightly a thirst for the subject.

The New York Times

The requirements: a thirst for adventure and fortnightly blog updates.

Independent

A thirst for justice could be satisfied only with revenge.

The New York Times - Science

There was a thirst for alternative readings of history.

The Guardian - Books

There is still a thirst for communal experiences,' she argues.

The Guardian

Today I rarely feel a thirst for his art.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a thirst for" to describe a strong, often metaphorical, desire or need, especially for knowledge, adventure, or justice.

Common error

Avoid using "a thirst for" when referring to the physical sensation of needing water. Use "thirst" or "dehydration" instead to prevent misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a thirst for" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the object of a verb or preposition. It describes a strong desire or craving, often used metaphorically. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is commonly used to express a powerful need or aspiration.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a thirst for" is a versatile and widely used expression to convey a strong desire or need. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s considered grammatically correct and appears frequently in various contexts, from news and media to encyclopedias and scientific publications. While it's crucial to avoid confusing its metaphorical usage with literal thirst, this phrase effectively adds emphasis to describe aspirations for knowledge, adventure, justice, and more. Alternatives like "a strong desire for" or "a deep longing for" offer nuanced options to express similar sentiments, while understanding its typical contexts, as revealed by Ludwig, ensures accurate and impactful use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a strong desire for

Emphasizes the intensity of the feeling.

a deep longing for

Suggests a more emotional and heartfelt yearning.

an intense craving for

Highlights the compelling nature of the need.

a hunger for

Uses a different metaphor, focusing on the idea of needing sustenance.

a yearning for

Conveys a sense of wistful desire.

a passion for

Indicates a strong enthusiasm and dedication.

an appetite for

Implies a readiness and eagerness to consume or experience something.

a keen interest in

Suggests a strong intellectual curiosity.

an aspiration for

Focuses on ambition and striving towards a goal.

a proclivity for

Highlights a natural inclination or tendency.

FAQs

How can I use "a thirst for" in a sentence?

You can use "a thirst for" to describe a strong desire or craving. For example, "She had "a thirst for knowledge" and read constantly".

What's the difference between "a thirst for" and "a yearning for"?

"A thirst for" typically implies a more active seeking or need, while "a yearning for" suggests a wistful, often unattainable desire. The former is about acquisition, the latter about longing.

Is it appropriate to use "a thirst for" in formal writing?

Yes, "a thirst for" is appropriate in formal writing, especially to add emphasis or a metaphorical dimension to the description of a strong desire.

What can I say instead of "a thirst for"?

You can use alternatives like "a strong desire for", "a deep longing for", or ""a passion for depending on the context".