itching to know

USAGE SUMMARY

"itching to know" is correct and usable in written English.
It is an idiom that means to be very eager or excited to know something. Example: I'm itching to know the results of the election.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

Now, I know you are itching to know what I had for lunch.

The Guardian

And those of you who've been itching to know what a dictionary is, well, I will flip it up and not tell you anything about it.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

It is a cool and useful idea that, along with other cool and useful computer science ideas, has people itching to know more.

The New York Times

The two women dealt with the potential strain on their friendship "by just not talking about it," Ms. Fee says, even though she was itching to know who else was being considered for the position and what her chances were.

The New York Times

The fact that Ruth is itching to know may make her decision to read Nao's story episodically, in the on-off rhythm in which it was written (rather than to speed-read to the end and find out), feel contrived.

The Guardian - Books

They come in sets of three: in Artists' Editions featuring the work of the up-and-coming (if you fall into that category, new submissions are requested); and the more literal Bookshelf and Reading List styles, to keep nosy parkers itching to know what unexpurgated texts you're reading off the scent.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

One — nearly everyone — itched to know; in fact, felt robbed of a crucial piece of the action.

The New York Times

They add a layer of commercial potency to the insatiable itch — to know oneself as known — that has made Instagram a stupefying success.

The New Yorker

Behind the popular fascination with this often arcane corner of science lies our perennial itch to know the future and prepare for it.

Independent

Yet Altman believes that a true general A.I. should do more than deceive; it should create, discovering a property of quantum physics or devising a new art form simply to gratify its own itch to know and to make.

The New Yorker

You get an itch to know things, things you didn't even know you didn't know, see, because some of the stories in this book have been out of print for 40 years, forgotten like a peanut butter and jelly sandwich under a sofa cushion.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "itching to know" to convey a sense of excitement and anticipation when revealing information or answering a question. This phrase works well in informal contexts and can add a touch of humor or personality to your writing.

Common error

While "itching to know" is a vivid idiom, avoid overusing it, especially in formal writing. Constant repetition can diminish its impact and make your writing sound repetitive. Instead, vary your language by using alternatives like "eager to learn" or "anxious to discover".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "itching to know" functions as an infinitive phrase that modifies a verb or noun, expressing a strong desire or eagerness. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to indicate someone is very keen to discover something, as seen in the examples provided.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Academia

11%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "itching to know" is a common and generally acceptable idiom used to express a strong desire or eagerness to learn something. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is valid and usable in written English. Grammatically correct, this infinitive phrase is primarily found in news and media contexts, though it also appears in academic settings. While its use is generally neutral, it leans toward informality, making it suitable for engaging audiences and highlighting intriguing information. Alternatives like "eager to discover" or "anxious to learn" can be used for more formal settings. Overusing the phrase should be avoided to maintain writing impact. Overall, "itching to know" is an effective way to convey anticipation and curiosity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

eager to discover

Replaces "itching" with a more straightforward synonym, focusing on the desire to find something out.

anxious to learn

Highlights the anxiety or anticipation associated with wanting to know something.

keen to find out

Emphasizes enthusiasm and interest in uncovering information.

dying to know

Uses a hyperbole to express a very strong desire to know something.

longing to discover

Focuses on a deep yearning or desire to uncover something.

burning to learn

Emphasizes the intensity and passion behind wanting to acquire knowledge.

can't wait to learn

Expresses impatience and excitement about gaining new information.

want to know urgently

Highlights the pressing need or immediacy of wanting to know something.

have a strong desire to know

A more formal way to express the same sentiment, emphasizing the intensity of the desire.

am curious to know

Focuses on the inquisitiveness and interest in finding something out.

FAQs

How can I use "itching to know" in a sentence?

You can use "itching to know" to express a strong desire to find out something. For example, "Everyone was itching to know who won the competition" or "By now, you'll be itching to know about the Ambiance Tuning Technique".

What can I say instead of "itching to know"?

You can use alternatives like "eager to discover", "anxious to learn", or "keen to find out" depending on the context.

Is "itching to know" formal or informal?

"Itching to know" is generally considered an informal expression. While acceptable in many contexts, it might not be suitable for highly formal or professional writing. In such cases, consider alternatives that convey a similar meaning with a more formal tone.

Can "itching to know" be used in academic writing?

While not strictly incorrect, "itching to know" might be perceived as too informal for academic writing. It's advisable to use more neutral or formal alternatives like "interested in understanding", "eager to investigate", or "desirous of learning" in academic contexts.