Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
I desired for
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "I desired for" is not correct in standard written English.
The correct usage would be simply "I desired" without the preposition "for." Example: "I desired a peaceful life away from the chaos of the city."
⚠ May contain grammatical issues
News & Media
Science
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
4 human-written examples
Sometimes, we catch sight of the rusty-hued Sandia Mountains in the distance — the land I desired for its purity and Noah fled for its fallenness.
News & Media
Unless I desired, for its own sake, to play hockey, I would not derive welfare from playing.
Science
Unless I desired, for its own sake, that others do well, I would not derive welfare from helping them.
Science
With this realization came an understanding unveiling the continuous exposure of my own state of mind in every picture frame and the awareness that the change I desired for this world could only thrive within myself.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
54 human-written examples
I so seldom see a person I desire for a friend.
News & Media
As for my own children I desire that they may be provided with all the welfare and happiness of this world and of the next, so do I desire for all men as well.
Encyclopedias
I desire for us to be ready for one another.
News & Media
I want to be a part of the changes that I desire for our society.
News & Media
I desire for us to be able to hold space for both poles, so that all is welcome, while remaining connected.
News & Media
Since the Phoenix is the mythological symbol which embodies my deepest beliefs and ascension accurately describes my path, what further feedback could I desire for validation?
News & Media
I desire for us to take space when we need it, and have this communicated in a clear way, free from blame, attack, emotional blackmail, and finger-pointing.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When expressing a desire, use the verb "desire" without the preposition "for". For instance, say "I desired a change" instead of "I desired for a change".
Common error
Do not add the preposition "for" after "desire". The verb "desire" directly takes the object of your desire. Using "for" makes the sentence grammatically incorrect.
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
2.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "I desired for" functions as a verb phrase where "desired" expresses a want or longing. However, it's grammatically incorrect because the verb "desire" doesn't require the preposition "for". As indicated by Ludwig AI, the correct usage is "I desired".
Frequent in
News & Media
50%
Science
50%
Encyclopedias
0%
Less common in
Wiki
0%
Formal & Business
0%
Social Media
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "I desired for" is considered grammatically incorrect in standard English. As Ludwig AI points out, the correct form is simply "I desired". Though examples exist, they represent infrequent and non-standard usage. Alternatives like "I wished for" or "I longed for" are grammatically sound and convey similar meanings. When writing, remember to use "desire" directly followed by the object of your desire, without the unnecessary preposition. It's better suited for neutral contexts and should be avoided in professional settings.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
I desired
Omits the unnecessary preposition "for", resulting in a grammatically correct and more common expression.
I wished for
Replaces "desired" with "wished", maintaining a similar meaning but using a different verb with the preposition "for".
I longed for
Substitutes "desired" with "longed", conveying a stronger sense of yearning or missing something.
I yearned for
Replaces "desired" with "yearned", emphasizing a deep and persistent longing.
I craved
Uses "craved" instead of "desired", suggesting a strong and urgent want or need.
I had a desire for
Rephrases "desired" to use the noun form "desire", making the expression more verbose but grammatically sound.
I sought
Replaces "desired" with "sought", implying a more active pursuit or quest.
I was desirous of
Substitutes with a more formal and somewhat archaic phrasing using "desirous of".
I had a hankering for
Replaces "desired" with a more informal and colloquial phrasing using "hankering for".
I set my heart on
Replaces "desired" with an idiomatic expression indicating a strong and focused desire.
FAQs
Is it grammatically correct to say "I desired for"?
No, the correct phrasing is simply "I desired" without the preposition "for". The verb "desire" does not require "for" to connect it to its object. For example, you would say "I desired success" not "I desired for success".
What are some alternatives to "I desired for"?
While grammatically incorrect, if you want to express a strong feeling of wanting something, you could use phrases like "I wished for", "I longed for", or "I yearned for".
What is the difference between "I desired" and "I desired for"?
"I desired" is grammatically correct and means that you wanted something. "I desired for" is not standard English and should be avoided. Use "I desired" to directly state what you wanted.
How can I use the verb "desire" correctly in a sentence?
Use "desire" followed directly by the object you want. For example: "I desired peace", "I desired a new car", or "I desired to travel the world". Avoid adding "for" after "desire" as it is grammatically incorrect.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
2.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested