getting hungry

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "getting hungry" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express the feeling of starting to feel hunger, often in informal contexts. Example: "After skipping breakfast, I found myself getting hungry by mid-morning."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Getting hungry?

Independent

Who's getting hungry?

Britannica

We're getting hungry already.

The New York Times

I'm getting hungry.

The Guardian - Opinion

And the tigers are getting hungry".

The Economist

"I was getting hungry every two hours.

The New York Times

I was getting hungry just listening to him.

The New York Times

Getting hungry, too, we turned the car around.

The New York Times - Travel

"I was getting hungry, but I couldn't eat.

The New York Times

"I am getting hungry just thinking about it".

The New York Times

(O.K., you might be getting hungry again by this point).

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "getting hungry" to describe the gradual onset of hunger. It is appropriate for informal contexts, such as conversations about meal planning or describing physical sensations.

Common error

Avoid using "getting hungry" when you specifically mean craving a particular food. "Getting hungry" refers to a general need for food, whereas a craving is a specific desire.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "getting hungry" functions as a present participle phrase describing a state of becoming. It modifies a subject (explicit or implicit) to indicate the gradual onset of hunger, as illustrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Wiki

8%

Science

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "getting hungry" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe the gradual onset of hunger. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is widely used and understood. It typically appears in neutral to informal contexts, such as news articles and casual conversations. While alternatives like "feeling peckish" or "starting to crave food" exist, "getting hungry" remains a straightforward and effective way to express this common human experience. It's important to use it when referring to the general sensation of needing food, rather than a specific food craving.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feeling peckish

Indicates a slight hunger, less intense than "getting hungry".

starting to crave food

Focuses on the desire for food that accompanies the onset of hunger.

developing an appetite

Describes the gradual increase in the desire to eat.

becoming famished

Highlights the progression towards intense hunger.

my stomach is rumbling

Emphasizes the physical sensation associated with hunger.

desiring sustenance

A more formal way of expressing the need for food.

keen for a snack

Expresses a desire for a small amount of food to satisfy emerging hunger.

ready for a meal

Indicates preparedness and anticipation of eating a meal.

in need of nourishment

Highlights the body's requirement for nutrients.

hankering for something to eat

Implies a strong craving or desire for food.

FAQs

What does "getting hungry" mean?

The phrase "getting hungry" describes the process of starting to feel the sensation of hunger, indicating that the need for food is increasing.

What are some alternative ways to say "getting hungry"?

You can use phrases like "feeling peckish", "starting to crave food", or "developing an appetite", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "I am getting hungry"?

Yes, "I am getting hungry" is grammatically correct and commonly used to express that you are starting to feel hungry.

What's the difference between "getting hungry" and "being hungry"?

"Getting hungry" describes the process of hunger developing, while "being hungry" describes the state of already feeling hunger. For example, "I was getting hungry, so I ate a snack," versus "I am hungry, so I will eat now."