a common desire

USAGE SUMMARY

"a common desire" is correct and can be used in written English.
For example, "Many people have a common desire to make the world a better place."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

All shared a common desire to promote 1st‐year retention for new graduates.

Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic & Neonatal Nursing

"Traditional songs and revolutionary songs have a common desire for freedom.

The Guardian - Music

Guest speakers and participants alike expressed a common desire to make a difference in the food system.

Yale University

A donor who matches your (or your wife's) background is a common desire, but that doesn't make it less complex.

The New York Times - Magazine

Recreational and elite athletes share a common desire to improve their skills and to win, rather than lose, a contest.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Mr Croston says steam everywhere in China is threatened by a common desire to put on a modern appearance.

The Economist

The feeling in northern and central Europe is that the gulf is artificial: there's a common desire for efficient welfare spending and high employment.

The Guardian - Opinion

But even the recent disturbances have been overshadowed by a common desire among Protestants and Catholics to strengthen a still-fragile peace.

The New York Times

It was formed in 1946 by business leaders who shared a common desire to contribute to the reconstruction of the Japanese economy.

Harvard University

The foreign secretary embodies a common desire to enjoy the status of an office without the responsibility contained in that office.

The Guardian - Opinion

In spite of their differences, they shared a common desire: to speak and be heard.Political wrangling, however, had already marred the meeting before it even started.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a common desire" to highlight unity or shared motivation among individuals or groups. This phrase works well when discussing collaborative efforts, shared values, or collective goals.

Common error

Avoid using "a common desire" when the context already implies shared motivation. For instance, instead of saying "The team shared a common desire to win, so they worked hard", simply state "The team desired to win, so they worked hard".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a common desire" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It denotes a shared feeling or aspiration among a group of individuals, as shown in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a common desire" is a versatile noun phrase used to express shared aspirations, goals, or intentions among individuals or groups. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used in various contexts, from news and media to academia. The phrase is most often found in News & Media, Academia and Science. While the phrase is frequently used, being mindful of potential redundancy ensures effective writing. Considering related phrases such as "a shared goal" and "a mutual objective" can also enrich expression and add nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a common objective

Focuses on a goal commonly held.

a shared aspiration

Focuses on a goal or ambition held in common.

a mutual objective

Emphasizes a goal that is jointly pursued.

a collective ambition

Highlights a shared drive for achievement.

a joint intention

Stresses a shared plan or purpose.

a unified purpose

Stresses a singular shared reason or aim.

a unified aim

Emphasizes a singular goal pursued together.

a shared goal

Highlights a target that is jointly aimed for.

a collective will

Focuses on the shared determination to achieve something.

a mutual yearning

Emphasizes a deeply felt desire shared by a group.

FAQs

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

You can use "a common desire" to describe a shared aspiration or goal. For example: "Despite their differences, the delegates were united by "a common desire" for peace."

What are some alternatives to "a common desire"?

Some alternatives include "a shared goal", "a mutual objective", or "a collective ambition", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more formal to say "a shared aspiration" or "a common desire"?

"A shared aspiration" may sound slightly more formal than "a common desire", but both are generally suitable for professional or academic writing. The choice depends on the specific context and the overall tone of your writing.

Can "a common desire" be used to describe negative goals?

Yes, "a common desire" can be used in contexts that are not necessarily positive. For example, "The conspirators were bound by "a common desire" to overthrow the government."