lust for

USAGE SUMMARY

"lust for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you mean a strong, often uncontrollable desire for something. Example: He had a lust for power that was unparalleled.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Their lust for it?

The Guardian - Music

Irrational lust for power?

The Guardian - Opinion

Another was the lust for land.

The Economist

Lust for power?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

First, is a lust for life.

Independent

"Her lust for life was unbelievable.

The New York Times

Lust for life, and violent death.

The New York Times

To satisfy a lust for revenge?

The New York Times

My lust for life will return.

The Guardian

"They had a lust for wealth".

The New York Times

To witness our lust for stuff.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "lust for" to vividly convey an intense and often uncontrolled desire for something, whether it's power, wealth, or even knowledge. However, be mindful of its potentially negative connotations, as it can suggest greed or obsession.

Common error

Avoid using "lust for" when describing positive, healthy goals. Reserve it for desires that are excessive or potentially harmful. Using "passion for" or "drive for" is more appropriate for commendable pursuits.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lust for" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically modifying a noun to describe an intense desire or craving. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. Examples include "lust for power" and "lust for life", where it describes the nature of the noun.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

86%

Academia

5%

Science

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "lust for" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express a strong, often uncontrolled, desire. While confirmed as correct by Ludwig AI, it's important to consider its negative connotations of greed or obsession. It's more frequently found in news and media but can be applicable to academic contexts as well. When writing, be aware of potentially more suitable alternatives like "passion for", "desire for", or "yearning for", depending on the context and intended tone. Remember that using the most appropriate and accurate wording will make your message clear and effective. As the examples demonstrate, using the expression helps to emphasize the intensity and potential recklessness of a desire.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

craving for

Highlights a powerful and sometimes uncontrollable desire, close to "lust for", but often associated with addictive substances or behaviors.

desire for

A more general term for wanting something, lacking the intensity and potential negativity associated with "lust for".

hunger for

Suggests a basic, primal need or craving, often related to essential things like food or survival, while "lust for" can be more varied.

thirst for

Implies a strong need or craving, often for knowledge or experience, similar to "hunger for" but in a less literal sense.

appetite for

Indicates a strong liking or enthusiasm, often for experiences or activities, being less intense than "lust for".

yearning for

Implies a deep, almost wistful longing, suggesting a more emotional and less impulsive desire than "lust for".

longing for

Suggests a sentimental desire for something that is distant or unattainable. It's more reflective than "lust for".

passion for

Focuses on a deep emotional commitment and enthusiasm, often involving creativity or personal expression. It's a more positive and constructive desire than "lust for".

zeal for

Implies fervent enthusiasm and dedication, typically directed toward a cause or belief. It's a more virtuous and less selfish desire compared to "lust for".

eagerness for

Expresses enthusiasm and anticipation for something positive. It's a lighter and more innocent desire than "lust for".

FAQs

How can I appropriately use "lust for" in a sentence?

Use "lust for" to describe an intense, often uncontrollable desire. For example, "His "lust for power" consumed him." Be aware of the negative connotations; consider alternatives like "passion for" if the context is positive.

What are some alternatives to "lust for"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "yearning for", "hunger for", "appetite for", or "desire for". The best choice will depend on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "lust for" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "lust for" carries a strong emotional charge. In formal writing, consider whether a more neutral term like "desire for" or "quest for" would be more suitable to maintain a professional tone.

What's the difference between "lust for" and "passion for"?

"Lust for" suggests a strong, often selfish or uncontrolled desire, while "passion for" implies a deep enthusiasm and commitment to something. "Lust" can be seen as a more primal and less refined emotion than "passion".