a desire for

USAGE SUMMARY

"a desire for" is a perfectly acceptable phrase to use in written English.
You can use this phrase when referring to a longing for something, or an intention to acquire something. For example, "He showed a desire for knowledge of the subject."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It appeals to a desire for fairness.

The New York Times

And also a desire for blood.

The New Yorker

A desire for control.

The New Yorker

A desire for deep oblivion?

The Guardian - Books

And a desire for revenge".

The Guardian

It is a desire for life".

The Guardian - Books

Many expressed a desire for change.

The New York Times

It's about a desire for meaning.

The Guardian - Music

There is a desire for total power.

The New York Times - Magazine

That's what I have a desire for.

The New York Times

No one has a desire for that.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a desire for" to clearly express a want or longing, especially when discussing motivations or intentions. For instance, instead of saying "they want change", specify "they have a desire for change" for added emphasis.

Common error

While "a desire for" is widely applicable, avoid overusing it in highly formal or academic writing. Alternatives like "an aspiration toward" or "a need for" may provide more nuance and sophistication depending on the subject.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a desire for" functions as a noun phrase acting as the subject or object of a sentence, expressing a feeling of wanting or longing. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a desire for" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to express a want, longing, or aspiration. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. It's versatile enough for various writing styles, although alternatives might be more suitable for highly formal contexts. Predominantly found in news and media, it conveys motivations and intentions effectively. When writing, leverage "a desire for" to articulate needs and motivations clearly, but be mindful of overusing it in extremely formal settings. Overall, "a desire for" is a valuable and reliable phrase for expressing wants and intentions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a longing for

Focuses on the emotional aspect of wanting something, highlighting a sense of yearning.

a hunger for

Implies a strong and insatiable appetite or need.

a yearning for

Emphasizes a deep and persistent feeling of wanting something.

a thirst for

Similar to 'hunger', but often used in a more metaphorical sense, like thirst for knowledge.

a craving for

Highlights an intense and urgent need or want.

an aspiration for

Suggests a goal or ambition, implying a striving towards something.

an inclination toward

Suggests a natural tendency or preference, rather than a strong need.

an appetite for

Highlights a liking or enjoyment of something, often related to food or experiences.

a passion for

Emphasizes a strong enthusiasm or love for something.

a need for

Indicates a requirement or necessity, often more practical than emotional.

FAQs

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

You can use "a desire for" to express a longing or need for something. For example, "They expressed "a desire for" change" or "He had "a desire for" knowledge".

What are some alternatives to "a desire for"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "a longing for", "a yearning for", or "a need for".

Is it always appropriate to use "a desire for"?

While generally acceptable, consider the formality of your writing. In very formal contexts, phrases like "an aspiration toward" might be more suitable than "a desire for".

What's the difference between "a desire for" and "a need for"?

"A desire for" often implies a want or longing, while "a need for" suggests a requirement or necessity. For example, you might have "a desire for" a new car, but "a need for" reliable transportation.