craving attention

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "craving attention" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who has a strong desire to be noticed or acknowledged by others. Example: "His constant need to post on social media suggests that he is craving attention from his peers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

He went from craving attention in Cincinnati to shunning it with the Patriots.

The New York Times - Sports

Some who are lifted on to the plinth will be living advertisements for themselves, craving attention, fame or notoriety.

The Guardian - Arts

MURDER has become so common in parts of Mexico that gangsters craving attention must go to ever more appalling lengths.

The Economist

But in just a few years, Mr. Linzy has gone from craving attention to running the risk of overexposure.

The New York Times

Merritt's pet chihuahuas, Prince and Knight, are nuzzling his toes, craving attention at his home in Bryan, Texas; but the Olympic champion is in full flow.

The Guardian - Sport

With the biggest media center in the world a mere bumper-to-bumper ride west on the Long Island Expressway, the region can be attractive for anyone craving attention.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

She craves attention.

The New York Times

Both crave attention.

The New Yorker

I don't crave attention.

The New Yorker

He has always craved attention.

The New Yorker

Did he crave attention as a child?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "craving attention" to describe a strong desire for notice or acknowledgment, especially when the need is persistent or intense. For example, "The politician was clearly "craving attention" from the media during the scandal."

Common error

Avoid using "craving attention" in situations where a mild desire for attention is present. The word "craving" implies a strong, almost desperate need, so using a milder term like "wanting" might be more appropriate in less intense situations.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "craving attention" is that of a verb phrase acting as a descriptor. It typically functions as part of a larger clause, characterizing a subject's state or behavior. Ludwig confirms its usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Wiki

12%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "craving attention" is used to describe a strong desire for notice or acknowledgement. As verified by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in various contexts, with a neutral register making it appropriate for both formal and informal communication. Analysis of Ludwig's examples demonstrates its common occurrence in contexts such as news and media. When using the phrase, consider the intensity it conveys; "craving" implies a deep-seated need, which might not always be suitable. Alternatives such as "seeking attention" or "wanting attention" may be more appropriate in less intense situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seeking attention

Uses a different verb ("seeking") to convey the same desire for attention.

wanting attention

A simpler and more direct way of expressing the desire for attention.

desiring attention

Employs a more formal verb ("desiring") to express the longing for attention.

yearning for attention

Introduces a stronger emotional tone with the verb "yearning".

hungry for attention

Uses a metaphorical expression ("hungry") to emphasize the intensity of the desire.

thirsty for attention

Uses a different metaphorical term ("thirsty") to emphasize the desire.

in need of attention

Shifts the focus to a state of needing attention rather than actively craving it.

longing for recognition

Replaces "attention" with "recognition", emphasizing the desire for acknowledgment.

attention-seeking

Adjective form of the action/state.

clamoring for attention

Stronger verb emphasizes aggressive or noisy demand.

FAQs

What does "craving attention" mean?

"Craving attention" signifies a strong desire to be noticed, acknowledged, or admired by others. It suggests a deep-seated need for recognition and validation.

What can I say instead of "craving attention"?

You can use alternatives like "seeking attention", "desiring attention", or "hungry for attention" depending on the context.

Is "craving attention" a negative term?

It can be perceived negatively, especially if the person's actions to gain attention are disruptive or insincere. However, in some contexts, it can simply indicate a need for social connection and validation.

How to use "craving attention" in a sentence?

Example: "The child's disruptive behavior was a sign that he was "craving attention" from his parents."