thirst for oil

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "thirst for oil" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a strong desire or need for oil, often in the context of energy consumption or geopolitical interests. Example: "The nation's thirst for oil has led to increased tensions in the region as countries vie for control over valuable resources."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

[C2.] China Goes Shopping for Oil China's thirst for oil has led Chinese energy companies to try to strike ambitious export deals with Canadian companies.

The New York Times

Driving China's interest is the country's voracious thirst for oil.

The New York Times

China's "thirst" for oil is hardly going to be deterred by the Sierra Club.

The New York Times

But experts say that government subsidies are exacerbating their unquenchable thirst for oil.

The New York Times

Short-term price movements, its oil minister insists, should not distract from the world's enduring thirst for oil.

The Economist

Close relations with China, based on Beijing's thirst for oil, have helped Iran to avoid isolation over its nuclear programme.

The Economist

Foreign firms still have a tremendous thirst for oil like Iraq's, which is very cheap to produce and refine.

The Economist

Demand for gas is still growing in rich countries, even as their thirst for oil has faltered.

The Economist

Yet if Japan's troubles worsen, and the economy freezes, the nation's thirst for oil could dry up fast.

The New York Times

He hit on a connection between the Iraq invasion (driven by the thirst for oil, he said) and CVS.

The New York Times

And many Arabs blame the American thirst for oil for miring them in shaky economies run by corrupt leaders.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "thirst for oil" to vividly describe a strong economic or political need for oil, particularly when discussing energy policy or international relations.

Common error

Avoid using "thirst for oil" too frequently in the same piece of writing. While impactful, overuse can diminish its effectiveness. Instead, vary your language by using alternatives like "demand for oil" or "need for oil" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "thirst for oil" functions as a noun phrase, where "thirst" acts as a metaphorical representation of a strong desire or need. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and relevance in describing energy consumption or geopolitical interests.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "thirst for oil" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe a strong desire or pressing need for oil, as validated by Ludwig AI. Its metaphorical nature makes it suitable for a range of contexts, particularly in news, business, and political discussions. While effective, it's important to use the phrase judiciously and consider alternatives like "demand for oil" or "need for oil" to avoid overuse. Its continued prevalence in authoritative sources underscores its relevance in contemporary discourse on energy and geopolitics.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

demand for oil

Focuses on the economic aspect of needing oil.

need for oil

Emphasizes the necessity of oil, rather than desire.

dependence on oil

Highlights reliance on oil resources.

craving for oil

Implies an intense, almost uncontrollable desire for oil.

addiction to oil

Suggests a harmful reliance on oil.

growing appetite for oil

Highlights the increasing demand or need for oil.

oil consumption

More technical, referring to the act of using oil.

energy dependence

A broader term, not specific to oil.

reliance on fossil fuels

Even broader, includes other fossil fuels besides oil.

intensive oil usage

Focuses on the intensity of oil usage.

FAQs

How can I use "thirst for oil" in a sentence?

You can use "thirst for oil" to describe a strong need or desire for oil, especially in the context of economic or political dependence. For example: "The country's growing "thirst for oil" is driving its foreign policy."

What's a good alternative to "thirst for oil"?

Depending on the context, you could use "demand for oil", "need for oil", or "dependence on oil". Each alternative carries a slightly different nuance.

Is it appropriate to use "thirst for oil" in formal writing?

Yes, "thirst for oil" can be used in formal writing, particularly in news articles, analytical reports, and academic papers. However, consider your audience and the specific tone of your writing to ensure it is appropriate. More formal alternatives include "dependence on oil".

What implications does the phrase "thirst for oil" suggest?

The phrase "thirst for oil" often implies that the need for oil is intense and potentially problematic, driving actions that may have negative consequences, such as environmental damage or political instability. It suggests a strong and perhaps insatiable desire.