hunger pangs

USAGE SUMMARY

"hunger pangs" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe an intense feeling of hunger. For example, "The hunger pangs were so intense that I couldn't focus on anything else".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

More specifically, the hunger pangs.

The New York Times

THE LAUNDRY is handy for late-night hunger pangs.

The New York Times

They sniff in the hopes of numbing their misery and silencing their rhythmic hunger pangs.

The New York Times

She and others were also struck by Taft's persistent hunger pangs.

The New York Times - Health

Hunger pangs usually subsided after a day or two, the company said, and many people agreed.

The New York Times

Hunger pangs were thought to be the result of stomach contractions.

Encyclopedia Britannica

They are creating new shows, timing the posts to coincide with hunger pangs.

The New York Times

Others recommended a pre-emptive strike against the crankiness that comes with hunger pangs.

The New York Times

Bananas will also keep your blood sugar up and will help you manage hunger pangs.

The Guardian

I remember vividly the sound of my tummy and my dog's stomach rumbling with hunger pangs.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

And a high-sugar, low-protein diet can increase hunger pangs and mood swings and leave you with low energy.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "hunger pangs" to vividly describe the sharp, contracting sensations in your stomach when you are hungry, adding emotional impact to your writing.

Common error

Avoid attributing every stomach discomfort to "hunger pangs". Differentiate between true hunger and other sensations like thirst, stress, or boredom to accurately describe your experience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hunger pangs" primarily functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object in a sentence. As noted by Ludwig AI, this expression is widely used to describe the physiological sensations associated with hunger.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Wiki

18%

Science

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "hunger pangs" is a common noun phrase used to describe the distinct and often uncomfortable sensations associated with hunger. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent appearance in various sources, particularly in News & Media. While its register is generally neutral, its use effectively communicates the physical experience of needing food, making it a versatile phrase for expressing personal sensations and describing situations involving food deprivation. Consider using more descriptive language in formal contexts such as "stomach rumblings" or "pains of hunger" depending on your intent.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hunger pang

Singular form, emphasizing a single instance of hunger.

pains of hunger

Emphasizes the discomfort and suffering associated with hunger.

hunger throes

Implies a more intense and prolonged experience of hunger.

stomach rumblings

Focuses on the auditory aspect of hunger rather than the painful sensation.

growling stomach

Highlights the auditory indication of being hungry.

feelings of hunger

More general term, lacks the intensity implied by "pangs".

food deprivation discomfort

Describes the unpleasant feelings associated with a lack of food intake.

empty stomach sensations

Clinical and descriptive, less evocative than "hunger pangs".

starvation symptoms

Indicates a more severe state of deprivation, going beyond normal hunger.

appetite cravings

Focuses on the desire for food, not necessarily the physical discomfort of hunger.

FAQs

How can I describe "hunger pangs" in a sentence?

You can use "hunger pangs" to describe the sensation of feeling hungry, such as "I ignored the "hunger pangs" and continued working".

What's the difference between "hunger pangs" and just feeling hungry?

"Hunger pangs" refer to the specific, often uncomfortable or painful, sensations in your stomach when you are very hungry, whereas feeling hungry is a more general sensation.

What are some other ways to describe intense hunger besides "hunger pangs"?

Alternatives include "stomach rumblings", "pains of hunger", or describing your stomach as "growling".

Can "hunger pangs" indicate a medical condition?

While generally a sign of needing food, frequent or severe "hunger pangs" could potentially be related to conditions like diabetes or hypoglycemia, and should be discussed with a doctor.