a burning desire

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a burning desire" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe a passionate, intense emotion or ambition that a person may have about a specific goal. For example, "He had a burning desire to start his own business."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"There hadn't been a burning desire".

The New York Times - Books

He's got a burning desire to compete.

The New York Times - Sports

Do you both have a burning desire to escape?

The New Yorker

"He has a burning desire to win and be good.

The New York Times - Sports

He has a burning desire to do his own thing".

The New York Times - Sports

I have a burning desire to clear my name.

The Guardian

"He has a burning desire to be good.

The New York Times - Sports

I didn't have a burning desire to see them succeed".

The Guardian - Books

My mother on the contrary, had a burning desire for me to be outgoing and expressive.

The New York Times - Arts

Republicans have boatloads of money and a burning desire to unseat this president.

The New York Times

I felt a burning desire to be a real inspiration to real women".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a burning desire" to convey a strong and passionate feeling, distinguishing it from a mere preference or casual interest. Consider the intensity you wish to express.

Common error

Avoid using "a burning desire" when a simpler term like "interest" or "wish" would suffice. This phrase is best reserved for situations where the feeling is truly intense and consuming.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a burning desire" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or the subject of a clause. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is used to express a strong and intense feeling or ambition.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a burning desire" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to convey a strong and passionate feeling or ambition. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is versatile and appears frequently in news, business, and general contexts. When choosing to use this phrase, consider the intensity you wish to express and ensure it aligns with the overall tone of your writing. While alternatives like "an intense longing" or "a consuming passion" exist, "a burning desire" remains a powerful and effective way to communicate deep-seated motivation and commitment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a consuming passion

Implies that the desire dominates one's thoughts and actions.

a driving force

Highlights the motivational aspect of the desire.

an intense longing

Focuses on the feeling of wanting something very strongly.

a deep-seated yearning

Highlights the profound and deeply rooted nature of the desire.

an overwhelming ambition

Emphasizes the powerful drive to achieve a goal.

an unquenchable thirst

Uses a metaphor to describe a desire that cannot be satisfied easily.

a fervent aspiration

Highlights a passionate hope or goal.

an insatiable craving

Suggests an unyielding and persistent need.

a powerful urge

Focuses on the compelling and immediate nature of the desire.

a strong impulse

Emphasizes the sudden and compelling nature of the desire.

FAQs

How can I use "a burning desire" in a sentence?

You can use "a burning desire" to describe a strong feeling or ambition towards something. For example, "She had a burning desire to travel the world" or "He felt a burning desire to succeed in his career".

What are some alternatives to "a burning desire"?

You can use alternatives like "an intense longing", "a consuming passion", or "an overwhelming ambition" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a burning desire" in formal writing?

Yes, "a burning desire" can be used in formal writing to convey a strong sense of ambition or passion. However, ensure it aligns with the overall tone and context of your writing.

What's the difference between "a burning desire" and "a strong interest"?

"A burning desire" implies a much more intense and passionate feeling than "a strong interest". A strong interest suggests enthusiasm, while "a burning desire" suggests an all-consuming ambition or longing.