was itching for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was itching for" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to express a strong desire or eagerness for something. Example: She was itching for a vacation after months of hard work. Alternative expressions include "was eager for" and "was longing for."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

I was itching for adventure, and cycling seemed ideal.

The Guardian - Travel

SoHo was itching for a mass move to Chelsea.

The New York Times - Arts

Soon, he was itching for the next show.

The New York Times

The situation, Mr. Richardson said, was "itching for stronger management review".

The New York Times

I was itching for something more, and it wasn't coming to me," she said.

The New Yorker

Bell, knowing that she was "itching for a cause," found a pro-bono case for her.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

House Republicans are itching for a fight.

The New York Times

They're itching for new direction.

The Guardian - Opinion

The Russians were itching for war on any pretext.

The Economist

Disney has been itching for a Fifth Avenue parade for some time.

The New York Times

It's doubtful anyone will be itching for this story to continue.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was itching for" when you want to convey a sense of restlessness or impatience to start something new or achieve a goal. It suggests a proactive desire.

Common error

While acceptable, avoid using "was itching for" in overly formal or academic writing. Opt for alternatives like "was eager for" or "desired" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was itching for" functions as a verbal phrase expressing a strong desire or eagerness. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in conveying a proactive anticipation, showing that something is highly desired. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was itching for" is a common and correct verbal phrase used to express a strong desire or eagerness for something. Ludwig examples and Ludwig AI confirm its acceptability in various contexts, especially in news and media. While generally neutral in tone, it is advisable to use more formal alternatives like "was eager for" in academic or professional settings. When you want to express restlessness and proactive desire, "was itching for" is an excellent choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was eager for

This alternative uses a more formal tone to express enthusiasm.

was longing for

Implies a deep yearning or desire, suggesting a more emotional connection.

was craving

Suggests a strong desire, often used for food or experiences.

was yearning for

Similar to longing, but can also imply a sense of loss or incompleteness.

desired intensely

Highlights the strength of the wish.

was keen on

More casual and less intense, implying interest rather than strong desire.

had a strong urge for

Emphasizes the impulsive nature of the desire.

was dying for

A more emphatic way of expressing strong desire, often hyperbolic.

was thirsting for

Evokes a metaphorical sense of needing something essential.

coveted

Suggests a desire for something belonging to another.

FAQs

What does "was itching for" mean?

It means to have a strong desire or eagerness to do or have something. It implies a sense of restlessness or impatience.

What can I say instead of "was itching for"?

You can use alternatives like "was eager for", "was longing for", or "was craving" depending on the context.

Is "itching for" formal or informal?

"Itching for" leans towards the informal side. In formal writing, consider using more sophisticated alternatives like "desirous of" or "yearning for".

How to use "was itching for" in a sentence?

Example: After months of preparation, she "was itching for" the competition to begin. Remember to use the past tense form, "was", when referring to a past desire.