craving

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'craving' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a strong or intense desire or hunger for something. For example: "I have a craving for pizza!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The way he describes it, his hunger - to move people, to keep learning, not to take anything for granted - never shifts into something so out of control as craving.

The Guardian - Film

Both sides had a loyal following, but it was Piketty whose meticulous examination of the evidence, seemed to provide the impartial proof audiences were craving.

The Guardian - Money

Hitchens's interest, it has been suggested, may have something to do with the character of Trevor, a dark-haired, monobrowed loner suspected of psychiatric issues, whose special talent is for "dealing out extra damage"; whereas Watson observers suggest he could be craving to be in the game too – his Twitter feed is topped by a cartoon self-image, as if as a nudge to GTA VI's creators.

The Guardian

"Will is craving chocolate because he is weak and hungry," I said out loud while looking down on myself, as if from the corner of the kitchen.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The whole peninsula rests Encircled by a craving necklace Of the drowned.

The Guardian

Public craving for convictions will be an open secret.

The Guardian - Opinion

"As stress increases the activity of brain regions responsible for drug seeking and craving, stressful work is often 'addictive' in itself," says Wise. "This could be a self-perpetuating cycle – work causes stress, which renders people more prone to addictions to substances and work".

The Guardian - Opinion

"But I'm craving them," I say.

The Guardian

Those are a hit among the increasing number of Muslims who, like herself, grew up in Britain, craving the same grub that their non-Muslim friends ate.

The Economist

It helps people to go on craving things that no longer give them pleasure.Businesses target such weaknesses, using food technology to concoct confections of fat, salt and sugar.

The Economist

Craving to join America's entertainment elite, he had the arrogance to pursue that dream with a financial recklessness that is only now being unravelled.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "craving" to describe a strong desire, often for something specific like food, a substance, or an experience. Be mindful of the intensity the word conveys; reserve it for desires that are difficult to ignore.

Common error

Avoid using "craving" for simple preferences. Saying you are "craving" a glass of water might sound exaggerated; "wanting" or "desiring" would be more appropriate in less intense contexts.

Linguistic Context

The word "craving" functions primarily as a noun, representing a strong desire or yearning. As shown in Ludwig's examples, it can describe physical desires (e.g., for food) or more abstract longings (e.g., for adventure or recognition).

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

28%

Science

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "craving" is a grammatically sound and frequently used term to convey a strong desire or yearning. According to Ludwig AI, its usage is acceptable across various contexts. Its primary function is to emphasize the intensity of a desire, making it suitable for situations where a simple "want" doesn't suffice. While versatile, it's crucial to consider the strength of the word and avoid overusing it in mild situations. The term appears most frequently in News & Media sources, followed by Formal & Business contexts. Remember to differentiate "craving" from similar words like "desire", which carries a less intense connotation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intense desire

Emphasizes the strength of the desire.

strong longing

Highlights the emotional aspect of wanting something.

yearning for

Conveys a deep and persistent desire.

burning desire

Indicates a passionate and overwhelming want.

insatiable appetite

Suggests a desire that is difficult to satisfy.

acute need

Focuses on the urgency and necessity of the desire.

powerful urge

Highlights the compelling nature of the desire.

uncontrollable hunger

Implies a lack of restraint in pursuing the desire.

deep-seated desire

Emphasizes the ingrained nature of the want.

consuming passion

Highlights how the desire dominates one's thoughts and actions.

FAQs

How can I use "craving" in a sentence?

You can use "craving" to express a strong desire or longing for something. For example, "I have a "craving" for chocolate," or "She was "craving" adventure."

What's the difference between "craving" and "desire"?

"Craving" implies a more intense and urgent need than "desire". While "desire" suggests a wish or want, "craving" suggests a strong, almost uncontrollable urge.

What are some synonyms for "craving"?

Synonyms for "craving" include "longing", "yearning", "desire", "hunger", and "urge". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "craving" in formal writing?

While "craving" is generally acceptable, consider the intensity it conveys. In formal writing, especially business or academic contexts, "desire" or "need" might be more suitable if the situation doesn't warrant the stronger implication of "craving".