very hungry

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "very hungry" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize a strong feeling of hunger. Example: "After skipping breakfast and lunch, I was very hungry by the time dinner was served."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Very hungry.

The New York Times

We were very hungry.

The New York Times

He's very hungry".

The New York Times

She was very hungry.

Independent

But I'm very hungry.

The New York Times

"We are very hungry.

The Guardian - Sport

Imagine yourself very hungry.

The New Yorker

A very hungry one.

The New York Times - Food

I am very hungry".

The Guardian - Sport

So very hungry.

The Guardian

They seem very hungry".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "very hungry" to describe a strong but ordinary feeling of hunger. For extreme hunger, consider stronger synonyms like "starving" or "ravenous".

Common error

While "very hungry" is acceptable, avoid overuse in formal contexts. More sophisticated vocabulary or vivid descriptions can improve your writing. For example, instead of "The refugees were very hungry", try "The refugees suffered from acute malnourishment".

Linguistic Context

Adjective phrase modifying a noun or pronoun. It functions as a descriptor to express the intensity of hunger experienced by a subject. Ludwig shows numerous examples in varied contexts, reflecting its common use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

14%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "very hungry" is a common and grammatically sound way to express a strong feeling of hunger. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While acceptable in most situations, more descriptive synonyms like "starving" or "ravenous" might be preferable in formal writing or when conveying extreme hunger. To improve writing, consider using vivid descriptions rather than relying solely on "very hungry". Remember that while generally appropriate, overusing it can make your writing less impactful. When considering alternative phrases, it is also useful to reflect on the specific context to achieve the best possible semantic similarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extremely hungry

Emphasizes a higher degree of hunger than "very hungry".

famished

Indicates a state of extreme hunger, possibly after a prolonged period without food.

starving

Implies a severe and urgent need for food.

ravenous

Suggests a wild or predatory hunger, often implying greediness.

dying of hunger

Hyperbolic expression indicating an extreme need for food.

keen for food

Focuses on the eagerness or desire for food rather than the intensity of hunger.

with a hearty appetite

Emphasizes a strong, healthy desire for food, often in a positive context.

peckish

British English term denoting a slight degree of hunger.

esurient

A more formal and less common word for hungry or greedy.

greedy

Implies wanting more than one's fair share, not necessarily related to hunger.

FAQs

How can I use "very hungry" in a sentence?

You can use "very hungry" to describe a state of intense hunger. For example, "After hiking all day, I was "very hungry" and ate a large meal".

What can I say instead of "very hungry"?

Alternatives include "extremely hungry", "starving", or "ravenous". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it more correct to say "very hungry" or "extremely hungry"?

Both "very hungry" and "extremely hungry" are grammatically correct. "Extremely hungry" suggests a slightly greater level of hunger than "very hungry".

When should I use "very hungry" versus "starving"?

"Very hungry" describes a strong feeling of hunger, while "starving" implies a more severe and desperate state, often after prolonged food deprivation.