craving for knowledge

USAGE SUMMARY

"craving for knowledge" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to an intense longing to learn new things, particularly in educational or academic contexts. For example: "The student was driven by a powerful craving for knowledge that enabled her to excel in her studies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

But the craving for knowledge persists, even if it is not easy to take.

The New York Times

She concludes by describing how philosophy most comprehensively embodies the secular craving for knowledge of the real.

The New York Times

"Faust is the obvious connection — the craving for knowledge and the cruelty of having that knowledge, if you like, and the punishment of having that knowledge".

The New Yorker

Maybe part of loving someone is a craving for knowledge about them, and their former love affairs seem like a convenient, direct route through the tangled map of their hearts.

The Guardian

His infatuation inspires a craving for knowledge -- about art (his inamorata has posed for paintings), anatomy (her diseased one in particular), chemistry (disease again), consciousness, botany, the passage of time and the biological mystery of life, to name just a few of the topics his desire leads him to.

The New York Times - Books

A craving for knowledge.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

It has left me craving for more opportunities like it, where I can use the knowledge that I gained through my years at MIT, to directly benefit others.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"What are you guys craving for lunch?" Giancarlo asked.

The New Yorker

Public craving for convictions will be an open secret.

The Guardian - Opinion

"We have been craving for them.

BBC

Desire is the state of craving for something.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "craving for knowledge" to vividly portray an intense and almost insatiable desire to learn and understand, particularly in academic or intellectual contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "craving for knowledge" in very informal situations where a simpler term like "interest in learning" would be more appropriate. This phrase conveys a strong intensity that might seem out of place in everyday conversation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "craving for knowledge" functions as a noun phrase that describes a strong and intense desire to learn and understand. It highlights the emotional aspect of seeking knowledge, going beyond a simple interest.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Academia

24%

Science

18%

Less common in

Wiki

12%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "craving for knowledge" effectively conveys a deep and intense desire to learn. As Ludwig AI verifies, it is grammatically correct and suitable for use in academic, news, and media contexts. Although not as common as simpler alternatives like "desire for knowledge", it vividly portrays an insatiable hunger for learning. When aiming to express a profound and almost urgent need to understand, "craving for knowledge" is a powerful choice. While alternatives exist—such as "hunger for knowledge" or "thirst for knowledge"—the best selection depends on the desired nuance and the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Hunger for knowledge

Uses "hunger" as a metaphor, emphasizing the essential and fundamental need for knowledge.

Thirst for knowledge

Employs "thirst" to highlight the intense desire and longing to acquire knowledge.

Appetite for knowledge

Substitutes "craving" with "appetite", suggesting a healthy and eager desire for learning.

Desire for knowledge

Replaces "craving" with the more general term "desire", indicating a strong wish for knowledge.

Quest for knowledge

Focuses on the pursuit and active seeking of knowledge, rather than just the longing.

Eagerness for knowledge

Highlights the enthusiasm and readiness to gain knowledge.

Need for knowledge

Emphasizes the necessity and importance of acquiring knowledge.

Lust for knowledge

Uses "lust" to convey a very strong, almost obsessive, desire for knowledge.

Passion for knowledge

Highlights the intense enthusiasm and emotional connection to learning.

Yearning for knowledge

Uses "yearning" to suggest a deep and persistent longing for knowledge.

FAQs

How can I use "craving for knowledge" in a sentence?

You can use "craving for knowledge" to describe someone's intense desire to learn. For example, "Driven by a powerful craving for knowledge, she excelled in her studies."

What are some alternatives to "craving for knowledge"?

Alternatives include "hunger for knowledge", "thirst for knowledge", or "appetite for knowledge", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "craving for knowledge" too strong of a phrase for everyday conversation?

While grammatically correct, "craving for knowledge" might sound overly intense in casual settings. Consider using a milder phrase like "interest in learning" or "desire to learn" for everyday conversation.

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

"Craving for knowledge" suggests a more intense and almost insatiable longing, while "desire for knowledge" implies a more general and less urgent wish to learn.