are hungry

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are hungry" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of needing food or feeling a desire to eat. Example: "After a long day at work, we are hungry and ready for dinner."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

These people are hungry.

The New York Times

These children are hungry.

The New Yorker

We are hungry!

The New York Times

Fewer people are hungry.

The Economist

The children are hungry.

The New Yorker

All are hungry.

The Economist

"People are hungry, starving.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

The Bengals are hungrier.

The New York Times - Sports

"These areas are hungrier.

Los Angeles Times

Being hungry.

Independent

Julio Diaz was hungry.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are hungry" to describe a physical need for food, a strong desire for something, or a lack of resources.

Common error

Avoid using "are hungry" in overly abstract or nonsensical contexts. Ensure the metaphor aligns with the core meaning of needing or desiring something tangible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are hungry" primarily functions as a predicate adjective, describing the state or condition of a subject. As noted by Ludwig AI, it signifies a physical need for food or a strong desire for something. Examples show it describing people, animals, and even abstract concepts like success.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

12%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Science

5%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are hungry" is a versatile and commonly used expression that indicates a need for food or a strong desire for something, as validated by Ludwig AI. It functions grammatically as a predicate adjective and serves the purpose of conveying a state of need or desire. While generally neutral in register, it appears most frequently in news and media contexts, as shown by Ludwig's examples. To enhance clarity, consider alternatives such as "feel hungry" or "are starving" based on the specific nuance you aim to convey when writing the phrase "are hungry".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feel hungry

Focuses on the subjective sensation of hunger.

are starving

Implies a more severe state of hunger or deprivation.

are famished

Similar to "are starving", but slightly less intense.

have an appetite

Highlights the desire for food.

crave food

Emphasizes a strong desire for something specific to eat.

are peckish

Indicates a slight feeling of hunger.

are in need of sustenance

A more formal way of expressing the need for food.

are eager for food

Highlights the eagerness and anticipation of eating.

desire nourishment

A more refined way of saying they need food.

require feeding

Focuses on the act of providing food to satisfy hunger.

FAQs

How can I use "are hungry" in a sentence?

You can use "are hungry" to describe the physical sensation of needing food, as in "The children "are hungry" after playing all day" or to describe a strong desire for something, as in "The team members "are hungry" for success".

What's a less common way to say "are hungry"?

Alternatives to "are hungry" include phrases like "are famished", "are starving", or "are peckish", depending on the level of hunger you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "are hungry" metaphorically?

It's appropriate to use "are hungry" metaphorically when you want to describe a strong desire or need for something that isn't food, such as "They "are hungry" for change" or "We "are hungry" for knowledge".

What is the difference between "are hungry" and "feel hungry"?

"Are hungry" is a statement of fact, implying that someone experiences hunger, while "feel hungry" focuses more on the subjective sensation of hunger. They are often interchangeable, but "feel hungry" emphasizes the personal experience.