a desire for something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a desire for something" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a longing or wish for a particular object, experience, or outcome. Example: "She has a desire for something more meaningful in her life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

Radical organizing is always borne out of a desire for something better.

The Washington Post

It is not a plan at all, but a desire for something that is demonstrably out of reach.

The Guardian - Opinion

"There are hundreds of agencies in New York, but there's still a desire for something different," he added.

The New York Times

When Louis CK or Doug Stanhope rage against the futility of modern life, they seem driven by a desire for something better, but Macdonald harbours no such dreams.

The Guardian

But last Thanksgiving, after a weekend overdose of nostalgia-fueled cooking, I was left with a fridge full of unfinished turkey and a desire for something different.

The New York Times

Young and old attendees were united by a desire for something different, and open-minded enough to follow the instructions delivered some days before: wear black tie and "bring a flower for a lover or a stranger".

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

There is undoubtedly a common tendency to use the term 'envy' for any desire for something that is possessed by another.

SEP

Despite the differences between the groups there is a unifying desire for something a bit different -- to meet new people outside of the usual work or social circle.

Huffington Post

Scanning the exhibition's scores of small portraits of soldiers young and old, named and unnamed, you might sense in them a mystical desire for something more than just a likeness.

The New York Times - Arts

But there is also a desperate desire for something to happen.

The Economist

"Let me be clear: Corbyn is the best candidate because, in his own way, he understands some of the economic and moral challenges we face, and is the product of a deep desire for something new," he wrote.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a desire for something" when you want to express a general longing or want without specifying the exact nature of the desired object or outcome.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "a desire for something" can sometimes sound less formal or precise. In professional or academic writing, consider using more specific and nuanced language to convey the particular type of wanting or needing. For example, replace it with "an aspiration for", "a requirement of", or "a yearning for".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a desire for something" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is used to express a general want or longing.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a desire for something" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to express a general want or longing. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across a range of contexts. While versatile, it may benefit from being replaced by more specific language in formal or professional settings. Its prevalence in news media and general writing makes it a valuable addition to your lexicon, suitable for expressing nuanced desires without specific object in mind.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a yearning for something

Emphasizes a deep longing or wistful desire.

a longing for something

Similar to yearning, conveys a sense of sadness or wistfulness.

a craving for something

Suggests a strong, almost uncontrollable need or want.

an aspiration for something

Implies a goal-oriented desire, a hope to achieve something.

a thirst for something

Implies a strong and urgent need, often used metaphorically.

a need for something

Highlights the necessity or essential nature of what is desired.

an appetite for something

Suggests a liking and enthusiasm, a hunger for something.

a hunger for something

Similar to appetite, suggesting a strong need or want, sometimes used to describe ambition.

a hankering for something

Informal way of saying you want or need something.

an inclination towards something

Suggests a natural tendency or preference.

FAQs

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

You can use "a desire for something" to express a general longing or want. For example, "Many people have a desire for something more in their lives than just material possessions."

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

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "a yearning for something", "a craving for something", or "an aspiration for something".

Is it better to be specific about what is desired instead of using "a desire for something"?

In many situations, being specific is preferable for clarity. However, "a desire for something" is useful when the exact nature of the desire is unknown, vague, or intentionally left undefined.

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

"A desire for something" suggests a want or longing, while "a need for something" implies a requirement or necessity. The latter is more pressing and essential.