big appetite

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "big appetite" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who has a strong desire or capacity to eat a lot of food. Example: "After the long hike, I had a big appetite and devoured my dinner in no time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Big appetite?

The New York Times

I have a big appetite.

The New York Times - Magazine

Bring cash and a big appetite.

The New York Times

But they need a big appetite for risk.

The Economist

"There's clearly a big appetite for the Olympics out there".

The New York Times - Sports

I had a big appetite for technology, and I liked music.

The New York Times

Whether it's wireless or wired, there's a big appetite for it.

Independent

"I'm not someone with a big appetite," she said with a smile.

The New York Times - Magazine

"I have never seen a very big appetite for 3D television in the UK," said Shillinglaw.

Independent

Mr. Brown is a slight man with a big appetite for politics.

The New York Times

"Ultimately, I think there is a big appetite for insomnia drugs," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a person's eating habits, use "big appetite" to indicate they eat large portions or enjoy food enthusiastically. You can also use the phrase metaphorically to describe a strong desire for something other than food, such as knowledge or success.

Common error

While "big appetite" is widely understood, avoid using it excessively in formal writing, especially in business or academic contexts. Alternatives like "strong interest" or "substantial need" may be more appropriate depending on the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "big appetite" functions primarily as a descriptive adjective + noun combination. It describes the intensity of someone's desire, most often for food, but can extend to other cravings or ambitions. Ludwig examples show usage across many contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Formal & Business

23%

Science

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "big appetite" is a commonly used and grammatically sound expression that describes a strong desire, most frequently for food but also metaphorically for other pursuits. As Ludwig AI confirms, its versatility makes it suitable for various contexts, although formal settings might benefit from more nuanced alternatives. While primarily found in news and media, the phrase conveys a positive sense of enthusiasm. When using "big appetite", consider the context and the specific nuance you want to convey, opting for alternatives like "hearty appetite" or "strong desire" where appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

large appetite

This alternative uses a synonym for "big", maintaining the same structure and meaning.

hearty appetite

This alternative implies a robust and healthy appetite.

voracious appetite

This alternative suggests an insatiable or excessively eager appetite.

healthy appetite

This alternative emphasizes the positive aspect of having a good appetite.

substantial appetite

This alternative highlights the considerable size or extent of the appetite.

considerable appetite

This alternative underscores the significant or noteworthy nature of the appetite.

great hunger

This alternative replaces "appetite" with "hunger", focusing on the feeling of needing food.

strong desire

This alternative broadens the meaning to include any strong craving or yearning.

keen interest

This alternative shifts the focus to intellectual or emotional eagerness.

insatiable craving

This alternative conveys an unquenchable and intense desire.

FAQs

What does it mean to have a "big appetite"?

Having a "big appetite" means you eat a lot of food, or you have a strong desire for something, not necessarily food. For example, someone can have a "big appetite for success".

What can I say instead of "big appetite" when referring to food?

Alternatives to "big appetite" when referring to food include "large appetite", "hearty appetite", or "voracious appetite". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Can "big appetite" be used for things other than food?

Yes, "big appetite" can be used metaphorically to describe a strong desire or enthusiasm for something. For example, someone might have a "big appetite for learning" or a "big appetite for adventure".

Is it appropriate to use "big appetite" in formal writing?

While understandable, "big appetite" might be too informal for some formal contexts. Consider using alternatives such as "strong interest" or "substantial need", depending on the context. It is important to consider register.