coveting something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "coveting something" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when expressing a strong desire to possess something that belongs to someone else. Example: She was coveting her neighbor's new car. Alternative expressions include "desiring something" and "yearning for something."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

He mentioned that he'd been coveting something else of Asian origin: a Noguchi coffee table.

The New York Times

But if this thief has very refined, very expensive tastes, coveting something like, say, a Picasso, how does he manage to steal that?

The New York Times

What is the connection between having one God and coveting something that doesn't belong to you?

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Q. Have you ever coveted something you found? A. Oh, yes, two things.

The New York Times

The Oscars now covet something much more than popularity: They covet cred.

The New Yorker

Or else you have a buyer who covets something, and you track it down and pry it loose.

The New Yorker

Semesa Rokoduguni learned when he was growing up in Fiji that if you coveted something, you had to prove your worth.

The Guardian - Sport

But their limitations are such that many people who regularly use them will come over time to covet something faster, more reliable, a bike you don't have to share.

The Washington Post

Just below that are the even smaller, lesser-known independent brands - tiny fledgling enterprises generally run by craftsmen and watchmakers, catering to small groups of followers who covet something rare and exclusive.

Forbes

I think that often our instinct is to covet something we want to preserve, hide it away and keep it to ourselves.

Vice

Although none deserved to be taken seriously, many had that coveted viral something.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

The verb 'covet' is transitive; ensure it is followed directly by its object without unnecessary prepositions.

Common error

A frequent mistake is adding the preposition 'for' after the verb, as in 'coveting for something'. Unlike 'longing' or 'yearning', 'coveting' should transition directly to the object.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "coveting something" functions as a present participial phrase. In the examples provided by Ludwig, it often serves as a gerund (noun equivalent) or a participle (adjective equivalent) to describe the action of strong desiring. It identifies a state of focused ambition or greed directed at an object.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Reference

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "coveting something" is a sophisticated way to describe intense longing. Ludwig AI analysis shows that it is frequently employed by top-tier publications like The New York Times and The New Yorker to add weight to a narrative of desire or ambition. Unlike the simple verb 'want', 'covet' implies a deep, often possessive yearning. It is grammatically robust and serves as a powerful tool for writers looking to convey emotional depth or competitive drive in their prose.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

desiring something

A more formal and neutral alternative that lacks the slightly negative connotation of greed.

yearning for something

Emphasizes a deep, emotional and often nostalgic longing rather than mere possession.

craving something

Suggests a physical or urgent need, often used for food or immediate sensations.

longing for something

Focuses on a persistent and often unfulfilled wish for something.

wanting something

The most common and plain way to express a wish to possess an object.

lusting after something

Implies an intense, almost obsessive and often sensory-driven desire.

eyeing something

Focuses on the visual act of looking at something with the intention of acquiring it.

hankering for something

A more colloquial and informal way to express a persistent craving.

envying something

Specifically denotes desire for something that belongs to someone else, combined with resentment.

aching for something

Expresses a desire so strong it causes emotional or figurative pain.

FAQs

How to use "coveting something" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe a person's state of mind, for example: "He spent his afternoons "coveting something" in the shop window that he knew he could never afford".

What can I say instead of "coveting something"?

You can use alternatives like "desiring something", "wanting something" or "craving something" depending on the intensity of the feeling.

Is "coveting something" grammatically correct?

Yes, "coveting something" is a standard English phrase. Ludwig AI and various literary sources confirm its widespread use in formal and journalistic writing.

What is the difference between "coveting something" and "envying something"?

While "coveting something" focuses on the intense desire to possess the object itself, "envying something" usually implies a focus on the person who already has it and a feeling of resentment toward them.