a desire for change

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a desire for change" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a wish or longing for transformation or improvement in a situation, organization, or personal life. Example: "The community has a desire for change, seeking new policies that promote sustainability and inclusivity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Many expressed a desire for change.

The New York Times

Democratic societies are affected by a desire for change".

The Economist

And there is still a desire for change among people".

The Guardian

September's vote demonstrated at least a desire for change at national level too.

The Economist

Does he sense a desire for change in the N.C.A.A.? "Among some," Brand said.

The New York Times - Sports

It added up to a search for scapegoats and a desire for change, he said.

The New York Times

"There was a desire for change because there was a government that had done bad things.

The New York Times

You could put the current fashion down to boredom and a desire for change.

The New York Times

Boomers tend to share a desire for change, idealism, and anti-authoritarian values.

Harvard Business Review

The economic crisis has produced a desire for change but not a philosophical shift.

The New York Times

Traditionally, progressives defined themselves, at least in part, by a desire for change.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a desire for change", consider specifying the area or aspect where change is desired for clarity. For example, "a desire for political change" or "a desire for personal change".

Common error

Avoid using "a desire for change" as a generic statement without indicating the specific context or direction of the desired change. This can make your writing seem less focused and impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a desire for change" functions primarily as a noun phrase. Ludwig AI's examples show it often acts as the subject or object of a sentence, expressing a general sentiment or motivation for alteration. It describes a feeling or inclination rather than an action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Formal & Business

17%

Science

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a desire for change" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to express a wish or longing for transformation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears frequently in news and media, as well as in formal and business settings. While versatile, it's important to use the phrase with enough context to avoid vagueness. Consider alternatives such as ""a longing for transformation"" or ""a yearning for progress"" to add nuance. Finally, by understanding the phrase's function and register, you can effectively communicate your intent and improve your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a longing for transformation

This alternative emphasizes the emotional aspect of wanting change, highlighting a deep yearning.

a yearning for progress

This alternative focuses specifically on the desire for advancement and improvement.

a thirst for novelty

This alternative emphasizes the craving for new and different experiences or situations.

an appetite for alteration

This alternative uses more formal language to express a strong inclination toward modification.

an inclination toward reform

This alternative highlights the intention to improve or correct something, often within a system.

a craving for a different state

This option stresses the wish for an altered condition or situation.

an aspiration for something new

This alternative underlines the ambition to achieve or experience something previously unknown.

a need for reinvention

This alternative underscores the necessity to recreate or restructure something.

a drive for modification

This variant emphasizes the proactive energy and impetus behind seeking changes.

an impulse towards variation

This alternative expresses a spontaneous urge to introduce variety and diversification.

FAQs

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

You can use "a desire for change" to express a general wish for improvement or transformation. For example, "The election results reflected "a desire for change" in the government's policies."

What are some alternatives to "a desire for change"?

Some alternatives include "a longing for transformation", "a yearning for progress", or "a need for reinvention", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "desire to change" or "desire for change"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "Desire to change" implies a desire to personally modify something, while "a desire for change" typically refers to a broader wish for alteration in a situation or system.

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

"A desire for change" indicates a wish or longing for improvement or transformation, whereas "a need for change" implies that change is essential or necessary to address a problem or deficiency.