for human flesh

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "for human flesh" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing topics related to cannibalism, horror fiction, or metaphorical expressions about consumption or desire. Example: "The ancient ritual was said to require a sacrifice, specifically for human flesh, to appease the dark spirits."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They're hungry for human flesh.

The Guardian

Celebrity chefs with a taste for human flesh.

The New York Times

There's no basis for believing that sharks have a taste for human flesh, the study argues.

The New York Times - Science

It uses a postcard that is covered in beads of chemical gel, which hungry mosquitoes mistake for human flesh.

The New Yorker

As for Gustave's penchant for human flesh, Mr. Thorbjarnarson is willing to give the locals the benefit of the doubt.

The New York Times

I was looking over my shoulder every few minutes just in case a bear might get hungry for human flesh.

The New York Times - Magazine

Once a furry inmate acquires a taste for human flesh, the theory went, it can never be trusted again.

The Economist

The Soviet Union has been fertile ground for thriller writers, from Martin Cruz Smith's Gorky Park to Hannibal Lector's taste for human flesh being sourced there.

The Guardian - Books

These fish were said to have developed a taste for human flesh after they were fed Hussein's victims, a tale that has never been substantiated.

The Washington Post

"Hannibal," the sequel to "The Silence of the Lambs," follows the gruesome adventures of Lecter, a suave psychopath and serial killer with a taste for human flesh.

The New York Times

The nearest islands, the Marquesas, were more than 1,000 miles downwind, but reputedly home to savages with a taste for human flesh.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "for human flesh", ensure the context is clear to avoid misinterpretation. It's often used in fictional or metaphorical contexts, so clarity is key.

Common error

Avoid using the phrase "for human flesh" in contexts where literal cannibalism is not intended. Overuse can dilute its impact or create unintentional shock value.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for human flesh" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a noun, often describing a craving, need, or appetite. This is evident in the Ludwig examples, where it specifies the object of desire or consumption.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Encyclopedias

18%

Science

21%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "for human flesh" is grammatically sound and frequently used, as confirmed by Ludwig. It typically functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying nouns related to appetite or desire, and it is prevalent in contexts such as news, encyclopedias, and science. While its register is generally neutral, the phrase carries strong connotations, often related to horror or fantasy themes. Related phrases include "craving human flesh" and "taste for human meat", offering subtle shifts in emphasis. Despite its correct usage, it's important to consider the context to avoid unintended implications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

craving human flesh

Focuses on the intense desire or longing for human flesh.

desire for human flesh

Emphasizes the yearning or strong wish for human flesh.

taste for human meat

Substitutes "flesh" with "meat", highlighting the consumption aspect.

appetite for human flesh

Uses "appetite" to denote a natural or instinctive craving.

hunger for human flesh

Highlights the physical need or starvation-like desire.

need for human flesh

Indicates a requirement or necessity for human flesh.

consuming human flesh

Focuses on the action of eating human flesh.

eating human flesh

A more direct and literal way to express the act of cannibalism.

preference for human flesh

Suggests a favored choice over other options.

fondness for human flesh

Implies an affection or liking for human flesh.

FAQs

How to use "for human flesh" in a sentence?

You can use "for human flesh" to describe a creature's diet or a character's desires, as in "The zombie had an insatiable hunger "for human flesh"".

What can I say instead of "for human flesh"?

Depending on the context, alternatives include "craving human flesh", "taste for human meat", or "appetite for human flesh".

Is it appropriate to use the phrase "for human flesh" in formal writing?

The phrase "for human flesh" is generally inappropriate for formal writing unless the context specifically warrants it, such as in a discussion of cannibalism or in a literary analysis. Consider more clinical or neutral terms if possible.

What is the difference between "hunger for human flesh" and "taste for human flesh"?

"Hunger "for human flesh"" implies a basic, primal need, while "taste "for human flesh"" suggests a more refined or acquired preference.