just begging

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "just begging" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where something is strongly desired or needed, often implying urgency or a plea for attention. Example: "The weather is just begging for a picnic this weekend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's just begging for a backlash.

The Guardian

Here's a bookshelf that's just begging to be browsed.

Princeton University

That's just begging for a sudden stop at the end.

The New York Times

That's a big market, and it's just begging for entry".

The New York Times

"People are just begging us to get there.

The New York Times

THE loquats were ripe and just begging to be picked.

The New York Times - Food

All those thoughtful millionaires, just begging for guidance.

The New York Times - Magazine

It's just begging for a bit of greenery.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Here were performances just begging for wider dissemination.

The New York Times

I'm just begging you not to be that fool.

The Guardian

"When I visited, these kids were starved for human contact, just begging to be touched.

Princeton University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing inanimate objects or situations, "just begging" effectively conveys a sense of potential waiting to be realized.

Common error

While "just begging" is versatile, avoid overusing it in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise language like "requiring" or "necessitating" for a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "just begging" primarily functions as a modifier, intensifying the verb it accompanies. It is frequently used to express that something is strongly desired or needed, as evidenced by Ludwig AI's analysis.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Academia

14%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "just begging" is a common and versatile way to express a strong need or desire. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, it's widely used in news and media, with some presence in academic and scientific contexts. While grammatically correct and effective for emphasizing a point, it may be too informal for highly formal writing. Related alternatives include "practically begging" and "crying out for", which can provide similar emphasis with slightly different nuances. To avoid overuse, consider more precise language like "requiring" or "necessitating" when appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

practically begging

Emphasizes the near-explicit nature of the request or need.

virtually begging

Highlights that the situation is as good as begging.

practically pleading

Shifts focus slightly to the act of pleading, but maintains the intensity.

virtually pleading

Similar to virtually begging, emphasizes the situation is close to begging.

almost demanding

Suggests a high level of urgency or entitlement.

practically requiring

Highlights the necessary nature of the action.

badly needing

Focuses on the intensity of the need.

desperately seeking

Emphasizes the urgency and desperation in the search or need.

crying out for

Uses figurative language to illustrate a strong need.

yearning for

Expresses a deep longing or desire.

FAQs

How can I use "just begging" in a sentence?

The phrase "just begging" is used to emphasize that something strongly needs or deserves a particular action or outcome. For example: "The garden is "just begging" for some rain", or "That wall is "just begging for" a mural".

What phrases are similar to "just begging"?

Alternatives to "just begging" include "practically begging", "virtually begging", or "crying out for". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "just begging" in formal writing?

While acceptable in many contexts, "just begging" might be too informal for very formal or academic writing. Consider using more precise language such as "requiring" or "necessitating" in those situations.

What does "just begging" imply about the situation?

Using "just begging" implies that the need or desire is obvious and potentially urgent. It often suggests that something is incomplete or lacking until the implied action is taken.