Desire

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Desire" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a strong feeling of wanting or wishing for something. Example: "Her desire to travel the world motivated her to save money and plan her adventures."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Opinion

Tech

Arts

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Fiercest opposition came from Patrick McLoughlin's Department for Transport, which flatly opposed Manchester's desire to regulate local bus companies.

The Guardian

"As AMC Networks has expanded internationally, we have had a great desire to do something we consider fundamentally strategic, which is to take our content and put it on channels we own," said Sapan.

The Guardian

Perhaps because they were smarting over their failure to find anything they could stick him with over the PACER downloads, it seems the federal prosecutors had little desire to let him off lightly.

The Guardian - Tech

The background to the affordable rent policy is a desire to build more homes for less public money.

The Guardian

"One country alone cannot call into question the desire of the others to continue to advance together".

The Guardian

That idea of understanding users extends to Evernote's desire to be able to dig into your previous documents and those of your co-workers and ferret out knowledge that will be useful for whatever you're working on, before you realise that you might need it.

The Guardian - Tech

Back then they had vision, drive and the desire to make the world of education a better place.

The Guardian

This is not the cruder version of English votes for English laws that some Tories so recklessly desire.

The Guardian - Opinion

And while I have no desire to negotiate the motorway system ever again, I am very grateful to all the people who gave me lifts over the years, for the transport, but even more for the memories.

The Guardian - Opinion

I have made my desire to move known in private various times and now it feels like the time for me to make it public.

The Guardian - Sport

While the focus for Postecoglou's side is their possession game, playing out from the back and their constant desire to attack, it is pressing which is often an underappreciated component.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "desire" to convey a strong feeling of wanting something, whether it's a tangible object, an experience, or a state of being.

Common error

In formal contexts, avoid overusing "desire". Opt for synonyms like "aspiration" or "intent" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "desire" is as a noun or a verb. As a noun, it represents something wished for; as a verb, it expresses the act of wanting something strongly. As Ludwig AI confirms, the word is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Sport

15%

Opinion

15%

Less common in

Tech

10%

Arts

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "desire" is a versatile word functioning as both a noun and a verb, used to express strong feelings of wanting or wishing. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and common usage in written English. While frequently found in news, sports, and opinion pieces, it's essential to consider synonyms in formal contexts for nuanced expression. Remember to use "desire" to convey strong feelings, but be mindful of overuse in professional writing. Explore alternatives like "yearning" or "aspiration" for variety and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Want

A general term for wishing or needing something.

Wish

Expresses a hope or strong feeling about something that one would like to happen.

Yearning

Implies a deep and persistent longing, often tinged with sadness or wistfulness.

Urge

A strong impulse or desire to do something.

Longing

Suggests a strong, often sentimental, desire for something or someone.

Craving

Indicates an intense and compelling desire, often for something specific.

Ambition

A strong desire or determination to achieve something.

Aspiration

Refers to a strong ambition or hope for achievement or success.

Passion

Intense emotion, a compelling enthusiasm or desire for something.

Appetite

Signifies a natural desire or liking, especially for food or pleasure.

FAQs

How can I use "desire" in a sentence?

"Desire" can be used as both a noun and a verb. For example, "It is my desire to travel" (noun) or "I desire to travel" (verb).

What are some alternatives to the word "desire"?

You can use alternatives like "yearning", "longing", or "want" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "I have a desire for" or "I desire"?

Both are correct, but they function differently. "I have a desire for" uses "desire" as a noun, while "I desire" uses it as a verb.

What's the difference between "desire" and "wish"?

"Desire" implies a stronger, more intense feeling than "wish". A "desire" is something you actively pursue, while a "wish" may be a more passive hope.