intense craving

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "intense craving" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a strong desire or longing for something, often related to food, substances, or experiences. Example: "After weeks of dieting, I felt an intense craving for chocolate cake that I couldn't ignore."

✓ Grammatically correct

Addictive Behaviors

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

Intense craving is a core feature of addictive disorder, and cue-induced craving is believed to be a key factor in the maintenance and relapse of addictive behaviors.

Addictive Behaviors

"There's a new set of values among consumers," Mr. Smith said, citing the results of a survey conducted last week by Yankelovich that confirmed "an intense craving for comfort and connection".

The New York Times

Desire: Without an intense craving to be successful in sales, your emerging salesperson may fail.

Forbes

Do you have an intense craving for ice?

Huffington Post

Long-term use can lead to intense craving if the consumption of the drug is stopped.

Los Angeles Times

First, almost immediately after your initial encounter with heroin, it brings about intense craving for more heroin.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

This process induces accelerated withdrawal, leading to intense pain, craving, and nausea.

Vice

He said the hyperpartisan environment left him craving intense content.

The New York Times

She still believes in true love, and she dispenses affection with a lavishness as intense as her craving for it.

The New Yorker

Netrebko created a Dostoyevskian Leonora, whose intense piety and craving for atonement were laced with voluptuous, sensual vocal coloring.

The New Yorker

In another study, this one involving candy, researchers at Drexel University concluded that people experienced psychological reactions while eating chocolate — such as intense pleasure and craving for more — that were similar to reactions caused by some drugs.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing addiction or withdrawal, "intense craving" is highly appropriate. For general desires, consider alternatives like "strong desire" for a more nuanced tone.

Common error

Avoid using "intense craving" for simple preferences. Reserve it for scenarios where the desire is truly overwhelming or indicative of a deeper need, such as addiction or severe deprivation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "intense craving" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "intense" modifies the noun "craving". As Ludwig AI confirms, it describes a strong desire, often associated with addiction, withdrawal, or strong emotional needs. Examples show it being used in both general and specific contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Academia

7%

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "intense craving" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe a very strong desire, often associated with addiction, withdrawal, or significant emotional needs. As Ludwig AI indicates, it serves to highlight the urgency and strength of a particular longing. While versatile, it is advisable to reserve this phrase for contexts where the desire is truly overwhelming, and to consider alternatives like "strong desire" or "compelling urge" for milder situations. The phrase appears frequently in News & Media, Scientific, and Wiki sources, indicating a broad applicability across various registers, although its use is less common in strictly academic and business contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

powerful desire

Replaces "craving" with a more general term for desire, maintaining the emphasis on strength.

strong yearning

Substitutes both "intense" and "craving" with synonyms that convey a deep longing.

compelling urge

Replaces "craving" with "urge", highlighting the irresistible nature of the desire.

overwhelming desire

Emphasizes the strength of the desire using "overwhelming" instead of "intense".

consuming passion

Shifts the focus to a passionate desire, which can be broader than a simple craving.

uncontrollable longing

Highlights the lack of control associated with the desire, similar to an addiction.

deep-seated hunger

Uses "hunger" metaphorically to represent a strong desire for something non-food-related.

burning desire

Emphasizes the fervent and persistent nature of the desire.

irresistible temptation

Frames the desire as something alluring and difficult to resist.

fierce appetite

Employs "appetite" to indicate a strong desire, often associated with consumption or experience.

FAQs

What does "intense craving" mean?

The phrase "intense craving" refers to a very strong or overwhelming desire for something, often implying a sense of urgency or need. It is frequently used in the context of addiction, but can also describe a strong desire for food or other experiences.

What are some synonyms for "intense craving"?

Alternatives to "intense craving" include phrases like "powerful desire", "strong yearning", or "compelling urge", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "intense craving" to describe a desire for food?

Yes, it's acceptable, particularly if the desire is exceptionally strong or difficult to resist. However, for everyday food preferences, consider using milder terms like "strong desire" or "wanting something badly".

How does "intense craving" differ from a regular desire?

"Intense craving" suggests a level of urgency and compulsion that goes beyond a simple desire. It implies a strong emotional or physical need that can be difficult to control, whereas a regular desire is a milder preference.