I would desire

USAGE SUMMARY

"I would desire" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a wish or expressing a feeling of wanting something. For example, "I would desire to have a better understanding of computers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

He is something of a thuggish bully, certainly not someone i would desire my child to look up too.

BBC

My own scenario (perhaps the subject of another post) is rather different from most of these, and yet is far from the future I would desire for research universities and libraries.

Princeton University

"For myself I would desire a combination of old romance and modern machinery" (echoing the sentiment of an earlier rural writer, Richard Jefferies, who wanted "the light railway to call at the farm gate").

The Guardian - Books

-NORMAN DOUGLAS I would desire for a friend the son who never resisted the tears of his mother.

Forbes

According to the informed desire account, the best life is the one I would desire if I were fully informed about all the (non-evaluative) facts.

SEP

If it were true of me that, were I fully informed I would desire some object which at present I have no desire for, giving me that object now would not benefit me.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Through them, I could say what I'd feared, face what I'd feared, and be what I'd desired".

Vice

His argument shows that by 'bad' he means things that are harmful to the subject, i.e., the one who would desire these things.

SEP

"I'm a successful player in the N.F.L., having what most people would desire for their lives," Tyree said.

The New York Times - Sports

Falluja offers urban guerrillas the combat terrain they would desire.

The New York Times

Still, the result is not what they would desire".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I would desire" to convey a formal and considered wish, particularly in writing or when speaking to someone you want to show respect to.

Common error

Avoid using "I would desire" in casual conversations or informal writing, as it can sound pretentious. Opt for simpler alternatives like "I want" or "I'd like" in those situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I would desire" functions as a conditional expression of intent or preference. As supported by Ludwig, it is a grammatically correct way to introduce a wish or a hoped-for outcome.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I would desire" is a grammatically correct, though somewhat uncommon, phrase used to express a formal and polite wish or preference. As confirmed by Ludwig, its formality makes it suitable for written communication, professional settings, or when addressing someone respectfully. While it appears in reliable sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian, simpler alternatives like "I would like" or "I want" are often more appropriate for casual conversation. Understanding the subtle difference in tone will allow you to more efficiently and adequately express your "desires".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I would want

Replaces "desire" with a more common and less formal synonym "want".

I would wish

Uses "wish" which implies a slightly less attainable or more fanciful desire.

I would like

A more polite and common way to express a desire, often used in requests.

I would hope

Expresses a desire with a sense of anticipation or expectation.

It is my desire

Emphasizes the feeling as a core aim.

I aspire to

Focuses on the ambition and long-term goal of the desire.

My preference would be

Highlights a specific choice among alternatives.

I have a yearning for

Conveys a deeper, more emotional longing.

I am inclined to

Suggests a leaning towards a particular choice or action.

I have a craving for

Implies a strong, often impulsive desire.

FAQs

How to use "I would desire" in a sentence?

Use "I would desire" to express a strong wish or preference, especially in formal contexts. For instance, "I would desire a more comprehensive understanding of the subject matter".

What can I say instead of "I would desire"?

You can use alternatives like "I would want", "I would like", or "I wish" depending on the context and level of formality you aim for.

Which is correct, "I would desire" or "I desire"?

"I desire" is a more direct and assertive statement, while "I would desire" is more polite and conditional. Both are grammatically correct, but "I desire" might sound overly formal or dramatic in some situations.

What's the difference between "I would desire" and "I want"?

"I want" is a straightforward expression of need or wish, suitable for everyday situations. "I would desire" is more formal and implies a deeper, more considered longing. Using "I want" is appropriate in most situations.