begging for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "begging for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a strong desire or need for something, often implying desperation or urgency. Example: "After weeks of searching for a job, I found myself begging for any opportunity that came my way."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

He was begging for food.

The New York Times

"He's begging for another opportunity.

The New York Times

"They're begging for members".

The New York Times

They're begging for jewels".

The New York Times - Style

"There I am begging for food".

The New York Times

People begging for cigarettes and collecting butts.

The New Yorker

California is literally begging for these dollars".

The New York Times

No more crowds begging for his autograph.

The New York Times - Sports

Martine Wright is not begging for it.

The New York Times - Sports

And I'm begging for my life.

The New York Times

The man was begging for his life.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "begging for" to convey a sense of desperation or urgency when requesting something. Ensure the context aligns with the strong emotional tone the phrase implies.

Common error

Avoid using "begging for" in situations where a simple request would suffice. Overusing this phrase can diminish its impact and make your writing sound overly dramatic. Opt for more neutral alternatives like "requesting" or "asking" when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "begging for" is that of a verb phrase acting as the main verb in a sentence. It indicates an action of earnestly and desperately requesting something. As Ludwig AI shows, the phrase is used when someone is in a dire need or asking for something which is very important to them.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

4%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "begging for" is a verb phrase commonly used to express a strong desire or urgent need for something. According to Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and appears frequently in various contexts, particularly in news and media. While its primary function is to convey desperation or urgency, it's essential to use it appropriately to avoid over-dramatization. Alternatives such as "pleading for" or "earnestly seeking" can be used in different contexts to achieve a similar effect. When employing this phrase, consider the tone and the message to ensure it aligns with the situation's gravity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pleading for

Emphasizes a more emotional and earnest appeal.

imploring for

Suggests a desperate request made with intense emotion.

beseeching for

Implies a humble and earnest request, often used in formal contexts.

requesting urgently

Focuses on the immediate need and the necessity of the request.

earnestly seeking

Highlights the sincerity and determination in pursuing something.

desperately needing

Stresses the critical necessity of something, often in a crisis.

yearning for

Indicates a deep longing and desire, often with a sense of sentimentality.

craving for

Suggests a strong and persistent desire, often for something pleasurable.

hankering after

Implies a persistent and somewhat whimsical desire.

longing for

Expresses a wistful desire for something that is often unattainable.

FAQs

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

You can use "begging for" to express a strong desire or urgent need for something. For example, "After the accident, he was "begging for help"." or "The company is "begging for investment" to stay afloat."

What are some alternatives to "begging for"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "pleading for", "imploring for", "earnestly seeking", or "desperately needing" to convey a similar meaning.

When is it appropriate to use "begging for"?

"Begging for" is appropriate when you want to emphasize the desperation or urgency of a request. It's often used in situations where someone is in dire need or facing a critical situation, such as "begging for forgiveness" after a serious mistake.

What is the difference between "asking for" and "begging for"?

"Asking for" is a neutral way to request something, while "begging for" implies a stronger, more emotional appeal due to a desperate need. If you're simply making a polite request, "asking for" is more suitable. If you're conveying urgency or desperation, "begging for" is more appropriate.