keen appetite

USAGE SUMMARY

"keen appetite" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who has a strong or intense desire for something, particularly food. Example: After a long day of hiking, Sarah had a keen appetite for a hot and hearty meal.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

His company's typical customer was aged 24-32, professional, with a keen appetite for travel.

The Guardian

Ammonite fossils are also plentiful too, so pack a bucket, spade and a keen appetite for excavation.

Independent

The press in particular best to be honest about it—has a keen appetite for political upset, whereas the mass of the country prefers a quiet life.

The Economist

More permanent accommodation is called for and the pigs hire a hilarious team of "beaver builders", equipped with hard hats and a keen appetite for peanut butter sandwiches.

The Guardian - Books

Basically it combined an astute sense of historical importance with a keen appetite for visual richness -- both robust and refined -- and an attraction to contrapuntal exchanges among artworks.

The New York Times - Arts

· The straits have traditionally been identified as the origin of the legend of Scylla - a six-headed monster with a keen appetite for sailors - and the vessel-devouring whirlpool of Charybdis.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

It's the craziest example I've encountered of the way our culture's food madness tips into food psychosis, at least among those with keen appetites and the means to indulge them.

The New York Times

Fresh focaccia and a saucer of herbed olive oil for dipping took the edge off keen appetites on one crowded evening, when kitchen and service couldn't keep up with demand.

The New York Times

Do German audiences have a keener appetite for theatrical experiment?

The Guardian

New Europe Germanyy Do German audiences have a keener appetite for theatrical experiment?

The Guardian

But the less-than-keen-appetite for new stock has hurt issuers.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "keen appetite" to describe not only a strong desire for food but also a strong interest or enthusiasm for something abstract, such as knowledge, adventure, or success. For example: "He approached the project with a keen appetite for innovation."

Common error

Avoid using "keen appetite" in formal or highly technical writing where a more precise term might be necessary. While generally acceptable, overuse in professional contexts can come across as informal or cliché.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keen appetite" primarily functions as a descriptive expression, characterizing a noun with both an adjective ("keen") and a noun ("appetite"). Ludwig AI confirms its usability, as shown by numerous real-world examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Arts

20%

Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "keen appetite" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe a strong desire or enthusiasm, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It is most frequently found in News & Media and Arts contexts. While it can refer literally to a strong hunger for food, it is also used metaphorically to describe eagerness for knowledge, experiences, or success. When using "keen appetite", consider the context to ensure it aligns with the desired tone and level of formality. Alternatives include "strong desire", "eager enthusiasm", and "intense craving".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

strong desire

Replaces the specific term "appetite" with a more general term "desire", widening the scope beyond just food or literal consumption.

eager enthusiasm

Emphasizes the excitement and eagerness associated with the desire, adding a layer of positive emotion.

intense craving

Highlights the intensity of the desire, suggesting a powerful and compelling need.

voracious hunger

Uses a more extreme adjective "voracious" to describe the hunger, indicating an insatiable appetite.

great eagerness

Focuses on the enthusiastic anticipation of something, replacing "appetite" with a broader sense of anticipation.

strong inclination

Indicates a natural tendency or preference towards something, softening the intensity of the desire.

avid interest

Shifts the focus to a strong interest in something, rather than a literal appetite.

passionate longing

Adds a layer of deep emotion and yearning to the desire, making it more personal and heartfelt.

pronounced yearning

Highlights the intense desire and yearning with a strong pronounced sensation for something.

decided relish

Replaces appetite with relish, emphasizing enjoyment and satisfaction.

FAQs

How can I use "keen appetite" in a sentence?

You can use "keen appetite" to describe a strong desire for food, as in "After hiking all day, I had a keen appetite". It can also describe enthusiasm for something, like "She showed a keen appetite for learning new languages".

What are some alternatives to "keen appetite"?

Alternatives to "keen appetite" include "strong desire", "eager enthusiasm", or "intense craving", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "keen appetite" only used for food?

No, "keen appetite" can be used metaphorically to describe a strong desire or enthusiasm for anything, not just food. For example, you might say someone has a "keen appetite for knowledge" or a "keen appetite for adventure".

What's the difference between "keen appetite" and "voracious appetite"?

"Keen appetite" suggests a strong and healthy desire, while "voracious appetite" implies an insatiable or excessive hunger. "Voracious" often carries a connotation of being overly eager or greedy.