desperately craving

USAGE SUMMARY

"desperately craving" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a strong and urgent desire or longing for something. Example: "She was desperately craving a slice of pizza, but her strict diet wouldn't allow it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

"Instead of exhorting us to believe him because he was Tyler Hamilton, of desperately craving our approval, he simply told his story.

The New York Times - Sports

No series since Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead has left me so satisfied but also desperately craving for more, so its kinda good Leigh is writing a spin off series still set in the Ravkan world huh?

The Guardian

Now, autumn has us firmly in its hold and I'm desperately craving a night in – curled up on the sofa with a giant bowl of popcorn and a decent film.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I remember sitting at early morning meetings with heavy eyelids, desperately craving a nap.

Science Magazine

So if you've been desperately craving Swift's catalog on streaming services, maybe you were missing out on listening to Adams' "1989" on repeat.

Huffington Post

Brides desperately craving to be "thin/thinner" so that they can fit into their wedding dresses are subjecting themselves to this eight- to 10-day hellish experience.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

The Olympics would provide jobs, development and the international attention Chicago has desperately craved.

The Economist

But the Twisdens desperately crave an omelet, so they're willing to break eggs.

The New York Times - Books

They were also giving a cold-blooded killer the publicity he so desperately craved.

Independent

"Somersault" is about a lonely, seductive teenager who desperately craves affection and attention.

The New York Times

An hour and five minutes later, Jones achieved the victory he had so desperately craved.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "desperately craving" to add emphasis and emotional weight to your writing. It's more impactful than simply stating a desire.

Common error

Avoid using "desperately craving" for minor or trivial desires. Overusing it can diminish its impact and make your writing sound melodramatic. For everyday wants, consider milder expressions like "wanting" or "wishing for".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "desperately craving" functions as a verb phrase expressing a strong and urgent desire. It typically modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating what the subject intensely longs for. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "desperately craving" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase for expressing a strong, urgent desire or longing. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage, noting its presence in various contexts, particularly within news and media. While considered neutral to informal in register, it's important to use this phrase judiciously, avoiding overuse in trivial contexts to maintain its impact. Alternatives like "really craving" or "desperately longing" can be used for slight variations in emphasis. Remember to consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing to get the most out of this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

really craving

Emphasizes the intensity of the craving, similar to desperately craving.

desperately longing

Focuses on a deep sense of yearning, more emotional than physical craving.

intensely desiring

Highlights a strong feeling of desire but is more formal.

yearning intensely

Similar to desperately longing but places more emphasis on the yearning.

badly wanting

Less formal, indicating a strong wish.

aching for

Implies a deep, almost painful longing.

passionately desiring

Focuses on intense desire driven by emotion.

keenly desiring

Emphasizes the sharpness and intensity of the desire.

earnestly desiring

Highlights a sincere and serious desire.

have a strong urge for

Highlights the impulse, but less emotional intensity.

FAQs

How can I use "desperately craving" in a sentence?

Use "desperately craving" to describe a strong and urgent desire for something, such as "After being on a diet, she was desperately craving a chocolate cake".

What phrases are similar to "desperately craving"?

Similar phrases include "really craving", "desperately longing", or "intensely desiring", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "desperately craving" in formal writing?

While "desperately craving" is grammatically correct, consider the tone of your writing. In highly formal contexts, "intensely desiring" or "earnestly desiring" might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "desperately craving" and "desperately needing"?

"Desperately craving" implies a strong desire or longing, often for something not essential, while "desperately needing" suggests a critical requirement for survival or well-being. For example, you might be "desperately craving" a vacation, but "desperately needing" medical attention.