I'm desiring

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I'm desiring" is correct and usable in written English
You can use it when you want to express that you are desiring or longing for something. For example, "I'm desiring a better understanding of this complex problem."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

The only thing left is my completed transition; that's the only thing left that I'm desiring.

The New Yorker

"So I take it as it comes, and if I'm finding that I'm desiring something, I'm going to go and find it for myself".

The New York Times - Arts

When I'm starting work on the collection, I just sit with my team and talk to them about what I like, what I find inspiring, what I'm desiring, what I want to wear, what I haven't done before.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

We drove in circles, and both my grandfather and I were desiring that the hero was not aware of this.

The New Yorker

One email notified me that an analysis of "how bad" guys wanted me found I was desired at a "so bad" level.

Huffington Post

She says of her marketed image, "I saw that I must be sold, for then I would be desired and I would be loved".

The New York Times

I love the attention, and I love being desired, sure, but it's more than that.

Huffington Post

In summary, when prometaphase I oocytes were desired, newly eclosed virgin females were aged for 42−48 hr in vials with yeast and males.

G3: Genes, Genomes, Genetics

"I think it's desire and physical fitness," Hendrick said.

The New York Times - Sports

Even at the age of 5 I desired to be desired.

Huffington Post

But the message was: "I'm keen to be desired, drooled over, fantasised about, wanked over".

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I'm desiring" when you want to highlight that the feeling of desire is current, temporary, or actively evolving in the moment. It adds a layer of immediacy that the simple present 'I desire' lacks.

Common error

Avoid using the continuous form "I'm desiring" in formal research papers or scientific reports unless you are specifically describing a psychological state in a case study. In most formal contexts, the simple present 'I desire' or the passive 'it is desired' is preferred for its objective tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I'm desiring" functions as a present continuous verb phrase. It combines the auxiliary verb 'am' with the present participle of 'desire' to indicate an ongoing internal state. According to Ludwig, this structure allows writers to portray desire as a dynamic experience rather than a static fact.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I'm desiring" is a valid and useful expression in the English language, though it occurs less frequently than its simple present counterpart. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is most effective when a writer wants to emphasize the ongoing or evolving nature of a particular want or need. While traditional grammar often classifies 'desire' as a stative verb (which usually stays in the simple present), modern usage in authoritative sources like The New Yorker and The New York Times demonstrates that the continuous form is perfectly acceptable for stylistic emphasis. When using it, consider the context: it is excellent for personal narratives and expressive journalism but should be used with caution in rigid academic settings where "I desire" remains the standard. Overall, it is a correct and sophisticated way to signal a specific, current state of mind.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I want

Uses the simple present for a more direct and common expression of need or preference

I'm longing for

Adds a stronger emotional weight and a sense of distance from the object of desire

I'm yearning for

Conveys a deep, persistent, and often painful desire

I'm craving

Suggests a powerful, often physical or urgent need for something specific

I'm seeking

Shifts the focus from a passive feeling to an active search or pursuit

I'm looking for

A more casual and common way to express that one is in the process of trying to find or obtain something

I would like

A polite and formal alternative often used in professional or social requests

I'm hoping for

Expresses a desire combined with an expectation or wish for a positive outcome

I'm aiming for

Connects the desire to a specific goal or target one is working toward

I'm striving for

Emphasizes the effort and hard work being put into achieving the desired state

FAQs

How to use "I'm desiring" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe an ongoing feeling, such as: 'Currently, "I'm desiring" a change in my career path to find more fulfillment'. It works well when the desire is part of a current process of self-reflection.

What can I say instead of "I'm desiring"?

Depending on your tone, you can use alternatives like "I'm longing for", "I want", or "I'm looking for".

Which is correct, "I'm desiring" or "I desire"?

Both are correct. However, "I desire" is more common and formal, whereas "I'm desiring" emphasizes that the feeling is happening right now and might be temporary.

Is "I'm desiring" too informal?

It is generally considered neutral to informal. While it appears in high-quality journalism, it is less frequent in strictly formal or technical documents where "I seek" or "I wish for" might be more appropriate.