craves attention

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "craves attention" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who has a strong desire for recognition or notice from others. Example: "The child often misbehaves in class because he craves attention from his peers and teachers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

She craves attention.

The New York Times

He is not the kind of person who craves attention.

The Guardian - Sport

Among them was Tommy Voeckler, who even at 35 craves attention more than a precocious toddler.

The Guardian - Sport

Mr. Young craves attention, and he will do anything to get it.

The New York Times - Books

He says: 'I'm not the kind of actor that craves attention 24-7 - but it's part of the deal.

The Guardian

The notion that Holbrooke craves attention, which he bitterly resents and constantly feeds, is accurate but misleading.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

Both crave attention.

The New Yorker

I don't crave attention.

The New Yorker

He has always craved attention.

The New Yorker

He doesn't particularly crave attention.

The Economist

Did he crave attention as a child?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a character's motivations, use "craves attention" to succinctly convey their desire for acknowledgment and validation from others.

Common error

Avoid using "craves attention" excessively in formal or academic writing. Opt for more nuanced alternatives like "seeks recognition" or "desires acknowledgment" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "craves attention" functions as a verb phrase where 'craves' is a transitive verb expressing a strong desire or need, and 'attention' is the direct object. Ludwig AI confirms this usage across various contexts, indicating its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

24%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Science

4%

Academia

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "craves attention" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe someone's strong desire for recognition or notice, as validated by Ludwig. It functions as a verb phrase, and its usage spans across neutral registers, making it suitable for diverse contexts, especially News & Media. While effective, consider alternatives like "seeks validation" or "desires recognition" in more formal settings. Understanding the nuances and appropriate contexts will enhance the precision and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is an attention seeker

Directly labels someone based on their behavior instead of expressing desire.

desires recognition

Highlights the yearning for acknowledgment of one's achievements or qualities.

yearns for acknowledgment

Stresses a longing for acceptance and recognition of one's worth or existence.

longs for notice

Emphasizes a deep yearning to be observed and acknowledged.

seeks validation

Focuses more on the need for external approval rather than just general attention.

needs to be noticed

Highlights the necessity or requirement of being observed by others

hunts for the spotlight

Highlights the proactive pursuit of public attention and fame.

clambers for recognition

Suggests a desperate or undignified struggle to gain acknowledgment.

thirsts for applause

Emphasizes a strong craving for public approval and praise.

lives for the limelight

Indicates that someone's entire existence revolves around being in the public eye.

FAQs

What does it mean when someone "craves attention"?

It means they have a strong need or desire to be noticed, acknowledged, or validated by others. They may seek out opportunities to be the center of attention or engage in behaviors that draw focus to themselves.

What are some alternative phrases for "craves attention"?

You can use alternatives like "seeks validation", "desires recognition", or "needs to be noticed" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it negative to say someone "craves attention"?

It depends on the context. While it can imply a sense of neediness or insecurity, it's not inherently negative. It simply describes a strong desire for attention, which can be driven by various motivations.

How can I deal with someone who "craves attention"?

Set healthy boundaries, avoid rewarding negative attention-seeking behaviors, and encourage positive ways for them to gain recognition and validation. Understanding the underlying reasons for their behavior is also helpful.