ready to devour

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ready to devour" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a strong eagerness or hunger for something, often in a figurative sense. Example: "After a long day of work, I was finally home and ready to devour the delicious meal my partner had prepared."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

Sentries called dendritic cells lie in wait at portals of entry, like the skin, ready to devour invading cells.

The New York Times - Magazine

As Callas speaks of the precious revenge that success brings her, her eyes glitter with the hunger of a woman ready to devour the world.

The New York Times

But this reckless lad was totally overawed by Ms. Kent's Siren, an imperious temptress who often appeared ready to devour him.

The New York Times - Arts

Once every three or four months my son, Sam, grabs a cookie or a piece of candy and, wide-eyed, holds it inches from his mouth, ready to devour it.

The New York Times - Magazine

When Maria Callas declined to reappear after an especially weak first act of "Norma" in Rome in 1958, the audience swelled forth like a pack of feral dogs ready to devour their heroine for disappointing them.

The New York Times - Magazine

Anyone who finishes below par for the tournament may stand out this week on a golf course that is long and challenging, with rough ready to devour any shots that sail too far astray.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

Looking out my office window, I feel as though I'm living in the maw of some fabulous fanged beast readying to devour the rest of the day.

The New York Times

I can just hand my library card over (well, actually scan it, thanks to the new technology) and I've got a bagful of treats, ready to be devoured.

The Guardian

This final stint in the oven will firm your ribs up and should leave them ready to be devoured.

WikiHow

It continues to devour its own élites.

The New Yorker

And what a lot to devour.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ready to devour" to convey a strong sense of eagerness or hunger, whether literal or figurative. For instance, "The team was ready to devour the competition" effectively communicates their intense desire to win.

Common error

Avoid using "ready to devour" in situations where the subject is not actively participating in the act of devouring. For example, instead of saying "The opportunity was ready to devour", use "The company was ready to seize the opportunity".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ready to devour" functions primarily as a descriptive adjective phrase. It modifies a noun, indicating a state of preparedness and eagerness for consumption or engagement. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and readily usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Wiki

13%

Huffington Post

13%

Less common in

Science

9%

The New Yorker

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ready to devour" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase that effectively communicates eagerness and preparedness. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is widespread and understandable. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, the phrase serves to describe both literal and figurative consumption. While generally neutral in register, context can influence its formality. For alternative phrasing, consider options like "eager to consume" or "prepared to consume". When using "ready to devour", remember to ensure that the subject actively participates in the act of devouring to avoid misapplication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

eager to consume

Emphasizes the eagerness or enthusiasm for consuming something.

keen to devour

Highlights the enthusiasm or eagerness to devour something.

about to devour

Highlights the imminence of the act of devouring.

set to devour

Implies a planned or intentional act of devouring.

prepared to consume

Focuses on the state of being prepared rather than the eagerness to consume.

poised to consume

Conveys a sense of readiness and balance before consuming.

on the verge of devouring

Suggests a point just before consuming something with great enthusiasm.

primed to devour

Indicates a state of being fully prepared or conditioned to devour.

anxious to consume

Highlights the anxiety or eagerness to consume something, often due to anticipation.

wanting to devour

Emphasizes the desire or longing to devour something.

FAQs

How can I use "ready to devour" in a sentence?

You can use "ready to devour" to describe a state of eagerness or preparedness to consume something, either literally or figuratively. For example, "The students were "ready to devour" the new information" or "The lion was "ready to devour" its prey".

What are some alternatives to "ready to devour"?

Alternatives include "eager to consume", "prepared to consume", or "about to devour". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "ready to devour" in formal writing?

While "ready to devour" is generally acceptable, it can sometimes sound informal. Consider using a more formal alternative like "prepared to consume" or "poised to dominate", especially in academic or business contexts.

What's the difference between "ready to devour" and "wanting to devour"?

"Ready to devour" implies a state of preparedness and possibly imminence, while "wanting to devour" simply expresses a desire. For example, a chef might be "ready to devour" a new dish, meaning they're prepared to consume it, whereas they might be "wanting to devour" it, expressing their desire to try it.