hunger for

USAGE SUMMARY

"hunger for" is a perfectly acceptable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to express a strong desire for something, either literal or figurative. For example, "He had an overwhelming hunger for success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I hunger for diversity".

The New York Times

Their hunger for love.

The New Yorker

A hunger for catastrophe.

The New York Times - Books

Hunger for fame?

The Guardian - Music

And so we hunger for more.

The New Yorker

"I had developed a hunger for catastrophe".

The New York Times - Books

Hunger for fashion is not satiated yet.

The New Yorker

He really has a hunger for success.

The New York Times - Sports

Yes, indeed, that's hunger for you!

The New Yorker

I still have hunger for more.

The New York Times - Sports

Make them hunger for more help.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "hunger for" to convey a strong, often insatiable desire for something, whether it's tangible or abstract. For example, "a hunger for knowledge" or "a hunger for justice".

Common error

While "hunger for" is widely accepted, overly frequent use can make your writing sound melodramatic or less sophisticated. In formal contexts, consider substituting with synonyms like "yearn for" or "desire intensely" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hunger for" functions as a verb phrase indicating a strong desire or craving. It connects a subject with a profound need, whether tangible or intangible, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academic

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "hunger for" is a versatile phrase used to express a strong desire or craving. As Ludwig AI clarifies, it is grammatically correct and widely accepted in written English. It is especially prevalent in News & Media, as shown by Ludwig's examples. While appropriate for many contexts, it's important to avoid overuse in formal writing to prevent sounding melodramatic. Related phrases like "yearn for" or "desire intensely" can serve as more formal alternatives. Remember to use "hunger for" to effectively convey a profound need or intense longing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

yearn for

Emphasizes a deep longing or wistful desire.

crave for

Highlights an intense desire, often for something specific.

long for

Indicates a strong and persistent desire.

desire intensely

Focuses on the strength and depth of the desire.

have a strong appetite for

Uses "appetite" as a metaphor for desire.

thirst for

Implies a need similar to physical thirst, emphasizing urgency.

be eager for

Highlights a strong anticipation and enthusiasm.

have a burning desire for

Emphasizes a passionate and consuming desire.

passionately desire

Stresses the emotional intensity of the desire.

avidly seek

Indicates a dedicated and enthusiastic pursuit.

FAQs

How can I use "hunger for" in a sentence?

Use "hunger for" to express a strong desire or craving. For example, "The athlete has a "hunger for" victory", or "The public has a "hunger for" accountability".

What's the difference between "hunger for" and "thirst for"?

"Hunger for" and "thirst for" are similar, both implying a strong need. "Hunger" often refers to a more general or emotional need, while "thirst" can emphasize an urgent, almost desperate need.

What can I say instead of "hunger for" to sound more formal?

To sound more formal, you can use alternatives like "yearn for" or "desire intensely". These options offer a more sophisticated tone.

Is it correct to say "hungry for" instead of "hunger for"?

While "hunger for" is a phrase, the adjective form "hungry for" is also correct and common. Both are used to express a strong desire, as in "He is "hungry for" success".