great thirst

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "great thirst" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a strong desire or need for something, often in a metaphorical sense, such as a thirst for knowledge or experience. Example: "After years of studying, she had developed a great thirst for understanding the complexities of the universe."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

I thought there was a great thirst for stable, credible government at the local level.

The New York Times

He gave himself completely to my mother, with a great thirst for love - a great lover.

The Guardian

He just loves coaching international teams and making good players better and he has a great thirst for knowledge.

The Guardian - Sport

The previous season's cricket with Waverley in the Sydney grade competition created a great thirst to work in Australia.

The Guardian - Sport

Ms. Gips, who is 63, has discovered a great thirst for herbal teas in her shop, in a quaint brick building from the 1880s, with demonstration gardens outside.

The New York Times

He ate his breakfast and listened to her stories of the child's victorious homecoming, of his powerful pissing and great thirst.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

Longer hours ensure greater thirst and hunger, however keeping yourself busy during this month is essential.

The Guardian

With their greater thirst for electricity, laptops still need bulky charger blocks that deliver power at 16.5 volts and up.

The Economist

Not only our distant ancestors but our more immediate predecessors in America were possessed of greater thirst and capacity.

The New York Times - Books

Outside the career orientated world of the elected Labour MP, there is a greater thirst to hear the views of the candidates that did not win their seat.

The Guardian

There was not a lot between them, in statistics or style, although Wozniacki probably had more versatility and a greater thirst for turning defence into attack.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "great thirst" to emphasize a strong, often metaphorical, need or desire for something like knowledge, experience, or change. It adds intensity to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "great thirst" in contexts where a literal need for water is intended; this can lead to confusion. Instead, specify "extreme dehydration" or "severe thirst" for literal meanings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "great thirst" functions as a noun phrase where "great" modifies "thirst". It describes a strong desire or need, often used metaphorically. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "great thirst" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to denote a strong desire or need, often in a metaphorical sense. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across diverse contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media and Scientific domains, it conveys an intense longing or craving. While versatile, it's essential to distinguish metaphorical use from literal thirst to avoid ambiguity. Related phrases like "intense craving" and "strong longing" offer similar but nuanced alternatives. Remember to wield this phrase to enhance the intensity of your written expression effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intense craving

Replaces "thirst" with "craving" to emphasize a strong desire.

strong longing

Uses "longing" instead of "thirst", suggesting a deep yearning.

deep desire

Emphasizes the profound nature of the desire.

powerful yearning

Highlights the strength of the yearning.

consuming passion

Suggests that the desire is all-encompassing.

unquenchable desire

Implies that the desire cannot be satisfied.

voracious appetite

Uses "appetite" as a metaphor for a strong desire.

ardent pursuit

Focuses on the active pursuit of a desire.

keen eagerness

Highlights the enthusiasm and anticipation associated with the desire.

burning ambition

Emphasizes the driving force of the desire.

FAQs

How can I use "great thirst" in a sentence?

You can use "great thirst" to describe an intense desire for something, such as "a "great thirst" for knowledge" or "a "great thirst" for adventure".

What can I say instead of "great thirst"?

You can use alternatives like "intense craving", "strong longing", or "deep desire" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "great thirst" in formal writing?

Yes, "great thirst" is appropriate for formal writing when used metaphorically to describe a strong desire or need. However, ensure the context clearly indicates a metaphorical rather than a literal meaning.

What's the difference between "great thirst" and "strong desire"?

While both phrases convey a powerful need, "great thirst" often implies a more profound or unquenchable longing than a simple "strong desire". "Great thirst" can also evoke a sense of urgency or desperation.