an appetite for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an appetite for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a strong desire or enthusiasm for something, often related to food, knowledge, or experiences. Example: "She has an appetite for adventure, always seeking new experiences and challenges."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

There's an appetite for it".

Independent

Tang developed an appetite for the classics.

The New Yorker

He also had an appetite for pain.

The New Yorker

And they have an appetite for consumption.

The New York Times

The two shared an appetite for viscera.

The New York Times - Arts

There's an appetite for new ideas.

Independent

I don't have an appetite for dessert.

The New York Times - Books

It is an appetite for life.

The Guardian - Arts

There's certainly an appetite for it.

The Guardian - Film

I have an appetite for it.

The Guardian

Clearly, there is an appetite for grief.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an appetite for" to convey a sense of eagerness and enthusiasm, not just basic need. For instance, "an appetite for knowledge" suggests a love of learning.

Common error

Avoid using "an appetite for" solely in reference to food; it can sound redundant. Instead, use it to describe a strong desire for abstract concepts like adventure or learning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an appetite for" functions primarily as a noun phrase, indicating a strong desire or enthusiasm for something. As Ludwig AI indicates, this is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

28%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "an appetite for" is a versatile and grammatically sound way to express a strong desire or enthusiasm for something. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is commonly used in a variety of contexts, ranging from News & Media to scientific discourse. While highly versatile, it's advisable to avoid overusing it in solely literal contexts and to be mindful of the subtle differences between it and alternatives like "a craving for" or "a thirst for". The phrase is a useful tool for conveying eagerness and passion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a strong desire for

Emphasizes the intensity of wanting something, shifting from inherent liking to active wanting.

a keen interest in

Highlights the level of engagement and curiosity, focusing on interest rather than inherent attraction.

a thirst for

Uses a more figurative expression, implying a deep and unquenchable need.

a hunger for

Similar to 'thirst', this implies a strong, almost primal need or craving.

a craving for

Suggests a more intense and urgent desire, often for something specific.

a liking for

Indicates a positive sentiment or enjoyment, but less intense than "an appetite for".

a fondness for

Similar to 'liking', but with a softer, more affectionate connotation.

an inclination towards

Indicates a natural tendency or preference, suggesting a leaning rather than a strong desire.

a proclivity for

Suggests a natural or habitual inclination or tendency, often implying something inherent.

a zest for

Implies an enthusiastic enjoyment and energy, focusing on the excitement derived.

FAQs

How can I use "an appetite for" in a sentence?

You can use "an appetite for" to describe a strong desire or enthusiasm for something. For example, "He has "an appetite for adventure"", or "She developed "an appetite for learning"".

What are some alternatives to "an appetite for"?

Some alternatives include "a strong desire for", "a keen interest in", or "a thirst for", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "have an appetite for something"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to say "have an appetite for something". It follows standard English grammar rules and is widely accepted.

What's the difference between "an appetite for" and "a craving for"?

"An appetite for" generally suggests a sustained and enthusiastic desire, while "a craving for" implies a more intense, urgent, and often specific desire. For example, you might have "an appetite for knowledge" but "a craving for chocolate".