every whim

USAGE SUMMARY

'every whim' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to refer to the slightest or most unreasonable caprice or desire of someone. For example: He satisfied every whim of his wealthy employer.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

A banker's every whim is catered for.

The Guardian - Business

"He had people to satisfy every whim.

The New York Times

Actors and technicians had to answer to his every whim.

The New York Times

But when Ms. Franklin sang, she earned every whim.

The New York Times - Arts

She made every whim sound like a glimpse of wisdom.

The New York Times - Arts

Mal's mother is his chief enabler, willing to attend to his every whim.

The New York Times - Books

Bradfield police don't conduct their own investigations, but simply follow Tony's every whim.

The Guardian

He loves her for being a blabbermouth, for blurting out her every whim and thought.

The New York Times - Books

A housekeeper catered for his every whim – "Breakfast ready for me at 6.30am.

The Guardian

How does it teach sons not to expect women to cater to their every whim?

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Rosemary grieved for her companion and her intangible sense of purpose as the much-praised interpreter of her special sib's every whim.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "every whim" to describe situations where someone is being excessively indulged or catered to, particularly when the desires are trivial or unreasonable. This phrase is effective for conveying a sense of privilege or overindulgence.

Common error

While "every whim" is widely understood, it can sound somewhat informal or even hyperbolic in certain formal or professional contexts. Consider alternatives like "every request" or "every need" for a more measured tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "every whim" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often used as the object of a verb or preposition. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and widely used in written English. It typically describes the extent to which someone's desires, even the most trivial ones, are catered to.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Books

10%

Opinion

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "every whim" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe the act of satisfying someone's fleeting desires. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s often associated with indulgence, privilege, or excessive catering to one's desires, no matter how trivial. Predominantly found in News & Media, Books, and Opinion pieces, the phrase serves to express a range of attitudes, from neutral observation to critical commentary on indulgent behavior. Remember to consider the formality of your context when using it, as more formal settings may benefit from alternatives like "every request" or "all needs".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

every desire

This alternative replaces "whim" with "desire", focusing on a broader sense of wants or needs rather than a sudden impulse.

every caprice

Using "caprice" instead of "whim" emphasizes the impulsive and whimsical nature of the desires being catered to.

every fancy

Replaces "whim" with "fancy", highlighting the often imaginative or whimsical nature of the desire.

every inclination

This is similar to "all inclinations" but focuses on individual instances of leaning towards something.

all inclinations

Shifts the focus to a general tendency or preference rather than a specific, fleeting desire.

every impulse

Emphasizes the sudden and often irrational nature of the desires.

every passing thought

Emphasizes the fleeting and often insignificant nature of the desires being catered to.

every preference

Focuses on someone's established likes or dislikes, rather than their spontaneous desires.

every request

Highlights the act of asking or demanding something, shifting the focus from the desire itself.

all needs

Replaces "whim" with a focus on necessities, suggesting a deeper level of care than just catering to passing desires.

FAQs

How can I use "every whim" in a sentence?

The phrase "every whim" is typically used to describe a situation where someone's desires, no matter how trivial or capricious, are immediately satisfied. For example, "The wealthy heir had servants to cater to his every whim".

What's a more formal way to say "every whim"?

In formal contexts, consider alternatives like "every request", "all needs", or "all requirements" depending on the specific meaning you want to convey.

Is it correct to say 'attend to their every whim'?

Yes, "attend to their every whim" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression. It means to take care of someone's desires and needs, no matter how trivial or demanding they may be.

What is the difference between "every whim" and "every desire"?

"Every whim" suggests a more impulsive, fleeting, or capricious desire, while "every desire" implies a stronger, more considered want. The choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.