begging for something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "begging for something" 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

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

She is now begging for something worn by General MacArthur, and we hope she gets it.

The New Yorker

Who ever listens to a child begging for something from the toilet?

The New Yorker

Even Father Luc turns away from her. "Please, Gertrude," I say, begging for something I can't express.

The New Yorker

This area is begging for something, and you've got this huge gift in your lap begging to be opened".

The New York Times

"I just can't resist the ones with caramel nougat or crispy wafers," my dad would say, as he sneaked into our room begging for something, anything — just one little bag of peanut M& M's.

The New York Times

"He follows us around the house, always begging for something to eat," said Darlene Feger, of Riverdale, N.J., the co-breeder and co-owner of the 7-month-old.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

"I begged for something and no one helped me.

The Guardian

Roy Kincannon, bloated and lonely, begged for something slimming.

The New Yorker

My grandfather begged for something more, but we never found a reply.

The New York Times - Arts

When Herkimer realized that color television begged for something quaking and colorful, he designed crepe-papered pompoms on sticks.

The New York Times - Sports

"Halloween is a liberal holiday because we're teaching our children to beg for something for free".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "begging for something", consider the emotional intensity you want to convey. It suggests desperation or a significant need, so ensure it aligns with the context. Use it when a less intense phrase would not adequately express the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "begging for something" in situations where a simple request or polite inquiry would suffice. Overusing it can dilute its impact and make your writing seem overly dramatic or insincere.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "begging for something" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically acting as an adverbial modifier. It modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb to describe the manner or circumstances of an action or state. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "begging for something" is a common prepositional phrase used to emphasize a strong and often desperate request. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and appears frequently in news, media, and informal contexts. While "begging for something" is appropriate in many scenarios, it's important to consider the emotional intensity it conveys and choose synonyms like "pleading for something" or "imploring for something" when a less dramatic tone is needed. Overusing this phrase can diminish its impact, so writers should aim for precision in their word choice to achieve the desired effect.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pleading for something

Emphasizes a more emotional and earnest request.

asking desperately for something

Highlights the urgency and lack of options.

craving something intensely

Focuses on a strong desire, often emotional or physical.

yearning for something

Implies a deep and persistent longing.

beseeching for something

Suggests a formal and humble request.

imploring for something

Indicates a heartfelt and pressing request.

desiring something greatly

Highlights the strong wish for something.

in need of something

Focuses on the necessity rather than the act of asking.

hankering for something

Highlights a strong wish or craving.

longing for something

Emphasizes a deep and emotional yearning.

FAQs

What does "begging for something" mean?

The phrase "begging for something" implies a strong desire or need, often suggesting desperation or urgency in the request. It indicates that the person is earnestly and persistently asking for something.

How to use "begging for something" in a sentence?

You can use "begging for something" to describe someone earnestly requesting something. For instance, "After the disaster, the victims were "pleading for help"."

What can I say instead of "begging for something"?

Alternatives to "begging for something" include phrases like "pleading for something", "asking desperately for something", or "imploring for something". The best choice depends on the specific context and the level of intensity you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "begging for something"?

It's appropriate to use "begging for something" when you want to emphasize a strong need or a desperate request. However, avoid using it in situations where a simple or polite request is more suitable.