build an appetite

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "build an appetite" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of engaging in activities that stimulate hunger or desire for food. Example: "After a long hike, we stopped for a picnic to build an appetite before dinner."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

A day on the slopes, however, does still build an appetite.

Independent

Queenstown food tastes so good because the town's fresh-air activities build an appetite.

The New York Times - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Camping builds an appetite, so it's wise to build your meal upon a good-quality carbohydrate, be that bread, couscous, rice or, in this case, pasta.

The New York Times - Food

Noon 12. BIRYANI TIME Haggling builds an appetite, and sampling Hyderabadi biryani — a mix of rice, spices, meat, egg or vegetables — will seal your visit with delicious memories.

The New York Times - Travel

Watching demanding art and talking about it in supplementary educational programs builds an appetite for serious live work, an appetite that many contemporary artists find lacking in adult Americans.

The New York Times - Arts

But Chamberlin said streaming events can build an audience's appetite for the real thing.

The Guardian - Music

You can build up an appetite just pulling them out.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

For those who build up an appetite, Mr. Magaña said the airport requires concessionaires to provide healthy entrees.

The New York Times - Travel

No wonder its residents do so much cycling and rambling: it's to build up an appetite.

The Guardian - Travel

You can call in at Vesuvius, Pompeii, Sorrento, Positano, Amalfi and Paestum on the way to Agropoli – a great way to build up an appetite.

The Guardian - Travel

After you build up an appetite, head to lunch at Restaurant Kerempuh (Kaptol 3; 385-1-48-19-000; www.kerempuh.hr), which overlooks Dolac's northwest corner.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "build an appetite" when referring to activities that naturally increase hunger, such as physical exercise or exposure to fresh air. It suggests a positive and healthy way to stimulate the desire for food.

Common error

While "build an appetite" is a useful phrase, avoid using it repetitively in your writing. Vary your language by using synonyms like "whet the appetite" or "stimulate hunger" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "build an appetite" functions as a verb phrase, where "build" acts as a transitive verb taking "appetite" as its direct object. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Travel

20%

Lifestyle

10%

Less common in

Arts

3.33%

Science

3.33%

Formal & Business

3.33%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "build an appetite" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe activities that stimulate hunger. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It is most frequently found in News & Media and Travel contexts, suggesting a neutral to slightly informal register. To avoid repetition, consider using alternatives such as "whet the appetite" or "work up an appetite". When using this phrase, focus on contexts where physical activity or stimulating experiences lead to increased hunger, creating a positive association with food.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

work up an appetite

Similar to "build an appetite", but emphasizes the effort or activity involved in creating hunger.

stimulate hunger

Focuses on the physiological aspect of increasing hunger, rather than the activity that leads to it.

whet the appetite

Implies a more refined or subtle stimulation of appetite, often used in a culinary context.

sharpen the appetite

Similar to 'whet the appetite' implying a more intense stimulation of hunger.

increase hunger

A more direct and straightforward way of saying "build an appetite", focusing on the result.

create a hunger

Emphasizes the act of causing hunger to exist, rather than simply increasing it.

encourage hunger

Suggests a deliberate attempt to make someone hungry, which might not always be the case with "build an appetite".

arouse hunger

A more intense and less common way to express the stimulation of appetite.

promote appetite

Suggests a more active and intentional effort to improve someone's appetite, often in a medical or nutritional context.

foster a desire for food

Focuses on the psychological aspect of wanting food, rather than the physiological sensation of hunger.

FAQs

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

You can use "build an appetite" to describe activities that make you hungry, such as "Hiking in the mountains is a great way to build an appetite before dinner".

What's a good alternative to "build an appetite"?

Alternatives include "work up an appetite", which emphasizes the effort involved, or "stimulate hunger", which is more focused on the physiological effect.

Is it correct to say "build up an appetite"?

Yes, "build up an appetite" is also a correct and commonly used variation of the phrase. Both "build an appetite" and "build up an appetite" are acceptable.

What activities typically "build an appetite"?

Physical activities like hiking, swimming, or skiing are common ways to build an appetite. Exposure to fresh air and engaging in stimulating activities can also contribute.