itching for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "itching for" is correct and usable in written English.
It is an idiom that means "eagerly desirous or longing for". For example, you could say "The students were itching for the chance to start their volunteer project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

They're itching for new direction.

The Guardian - Opinion

Itching for some serious long-form journalism?

The New Yorker

House Republicans are itching for a fight.

The New York Times

And they're all itching for a fight.

The New York Times - Books

But there are also hardliners – militants itching for a fight.

The Guardian

I was itching for adventure, and cycling seemed ideal.

The Guardian - Travel

But Americans aren't exactly itching for a new war.

The New York Times

The Russians were itching for war on any pretext.

The Economist

SoHo was itching for a mass move to Chelsea.

The New York Times - Arts

Soon, he was itching for the next show.

The New York Times

It's doubtful anyone will be itching for this story to continue.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "itching for", ensure the subject is capable of experiencing desire or anticipation. Avoid using it for inanimate objects or abstract concepts unless you're using personification.

Common error

Avoid using "itching for" in formal academic or professional writing where a more neutral or formal expression of desire would be more appropriate. Alternatives like "eager to" or "desirous of" may be more suitable in those contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "itching for" functions as an idiomatic expression, acting as a verbal phrase that describes a state of eager anticipation or strong desire. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Itching for" is a common idiom used to express a strong desire or eagerness for something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely understood, though predominantly used in neutral to informal contexts. While very common in News & Media, this phrase may not be the best choice for formal academic or professional writing. For more formal situations, alternatives like "eager for" or "desirous of" are better suited. Keep in mind its idiomatic nature, which helps convey anticipation and restlessness towards a specific object or experience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

eager for

A more straightforward and common alternative, indicating anticipation and enthusiasm.

can't wait for

A common and informal way to express excitement and anticipation.

longing for

Expresses a deep yearning or desire, often with a sense of sadness or wistfulness. It's generally more emotive than "itching for".

impatient for

Emphasizes the lack of patience while waiting for something desired.

yearning for

Similar to "longing for" but implies a more intense and persistent desire.

craving for

Suggests a strong, almost uncontrollable desire, often for something specific.

dying for

A hyperbolic expression indicating extreme eagerness.

hankering for

Implies a persistent and often whimsical desire.

desirous of

A more formal alternative, indicating a strong wish or want.

anxious for

Suggests a state of worry or nervousness mixed with anticipation.

FAQs

What does it mean to be "itching for" something?

To be "itching for" something means you are very eager or have a strong desire for it. It implies a sense of restlessness or impatience until you get what you want.

What can I say instead of "itching for"?

You can use alternatives like "eager for", "longing for", or "can't wait for" depending on the context.

Is "itching for" formal or informal?

"Itching for" is considered an informal expression. In formal writing, it's best to use more neutral phrases such as "desirous of" or "anxious for".

How do I use "itching for" in a sentence?

You can use "itching for" to describe someone's strong desire: "After weeks of training, the team was itching for some game competition". Alternatively, you could say: "They were eager for some game competition".