urge for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "urge for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a strong desire or craving for something. Example: "She felt an urge for adventure and decided to travel the world."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Will they overcome guilt, frustration and their urge for revenge?

The New York Times

It is common, this freshman urge for self-invention.

The New York Times

Are you feeling the urge for another referendum?

The Guardian

I feel like I satisfied my urge for revenge.

The New York Times - Books

His urge for logical structure and classification, for systematization, was especially strong.

Encyclopedia Britannica

As a hiker with that ever-incessant urge for that higher view, this is torturous.

The New York Times

The turbulence now sweeping Iran has many causes, among them a simple urge for freedom.

The Economist

What is accomplished by imprisoning him, apart from satisfying our urge for retribution?

The New York Times

As with Kennedy's speeches, feelgood rhetoric can mask a sharper urge for change.

Independent

Since panic can happen anytime and anywhere, the urge for shelter and familiarity is natural.

The New York Times

In some cultures the urge for vengeance is too strong to be curtailed by confession.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "urge for" to describe a compelling internal drive or desire. Consider the intensity of the feeling you want to convey and choose a synonym if "urge" doesn't quite fit.

Common error

Avoid using "urge for" when a simple preference or liking is more appropriate. An "urge" implies a strong, almost irresistible impulse, not just a mild interest.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "urge for" functions primarily as a noun phrase followed by a preposition, typically indicating a strong desire or impulse towards something. It complements a verb or serves as the subject to highlight a compelling need or craving.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "urge for" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase to express a strong desire or impulse. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. Analysis of Ludwig examples reveals that it frequently appears in news and media, scientific writing, and wiki-based content. The phrase conveys a sense of compelling internal motivation and while "urge" implies a strong feeling, the phrase maintains a neutral tone. Alternative phrases include "desire for", "need for", and "longing for", each varying slightly in intensity and nuance. When employing this phrase, consider the strength of the desire and avoid using it when a simple preference is more appropriate. "Urge for" serves effectively to describe a compelling internal drive across various contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

desire for

Replaces "urge" with a more general term for wanting something.

craving for

Suggests a strong, often physical, longing.

longing for

Implies a sentimental or wistful desire.

yearning for

Conveys a deep, heartfelt desire.

need for

Indicates a requirement or necessity.

appetite for

Suggests a strong liking or enthusiasm.

passion for

Implies a strong enthusiasm or devotion.

itch for

Indicates a restless desire or impatience.

hankering for

Suggests a casual desire, often for food.

motivation for

Highlights the reason or incentive behind an action.

FAQs

How can I use "urge for" in a sentence?

You can use "urge for" to describe a strong desire or impulse towards something. For example, "He felt an urge for adventure" or "There's an urge for change in the community".

What can I say instead of "urge for"?

You can use alternatives like "desire for", "need for", or "longing for" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "urge to" or "urge for"?

Both "urge to" and "urge for" are grammatically correct, but they are used in different contexts. "Urge to" is followed by a verb (e.g., "urge to run"), while "urge for" is followed by a noun (e.g., "urge for freedom").

What's the difference between "urge for" and "desire for"?

While both phrases express a strong feeling, "urge for" often implies a more immediate or impulsive feeling than "desire for". "Desire" can be a more sustained or thoughtful feeling.