a desire to push

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a desire to push" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing an inclination or motivation to encourage or advance something, such as an idea, project, or initiative. Example: "She has a desire to push for more sustainable practices within the company."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

A desire to push the limits of emotion on film.

The New York Times - Magazine

What they share is a desire to push boundaries.

The Guardian - Travel

He also expressed a desire to push through new legislation as quickly as possible.

The Guardian

A jaunty, exuberant tunefulness for one thing, and a desire to push pop into high-art territory for another.

The New York Times - Arts

Over dinner, he described how he is motivated by a desire to push his own boundaries and those of others.

The New York Times

If more are making it to the stage, it's because there's a desire to push new writing into new territories.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

These comments are made only more disappointing because they seem to come from a place of personal disdain, more than any desire to push an intelligent discussion.

The Guardian - Opinion

The importance gets undermined, in my opinion, when clients & agencies team up to produce work exclusively for the prizes, making it an aspiration to 15 minutes of fame rather than a real desire to push a brand forward.

Forbes

Novices are welcome, but the kids need to have a strong desire to push themselves if they're to really enjoy the day.

The Guardian - Travel

Beyond showing a continued desire to push into mobile territory (see other acquisitions such as the news-summarising Summly) it seems to be anyone's guess what Yahoo will do with this new acquisition.

Independent

"There's a chauvinistic desire to push the historical record back into the third millennium B.C., putting China on a par with Egypt," said Edward L. Shaughnessy, a historian at the University of Chicago.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "a desire to push" to convey a proactive and intentional effort to advance an idea, project, or cause. This phrasing suggests a deliberate and motivated action.

Common error

While "a desire to push" is generally acceptable, avoid overuse in highly formal or academic writing. Consider using more sophisticated alternatives like "an inclination to advance" or "a motivation to promote" for greater precision and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a desire to push" functions as a noun phrase acting as the subject or object complement in a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Arts

17%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Wiki

8%

Academia

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a desire to push" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression that conveys motivation and proactive intent. Ludwig AI confirms its accurate usage across various contexts. While generally neutral in register, it's particularly prevalent in News & Media, Arts, and Science. For more formal settings, alternatives like "an inclination to advance" or "a motivation to promote" may be more appropriate. Remember, this phrase is best used to highlight a deliberate effort to move something forward, whether it be an idea, a project, or personal boundaries.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an inclination to advance

Focuses on the tendency or leaning towards promoting something, rather than the emotional drive.

a motivation to promote

Highlights the driving force behind the action, shifting the emphasis from desire to the reason.

an aspiration to propel

Emphasizes a higher goal or ambition, suggesting a greater level of effort and intent.

a craving to drive

Implies a strong, almost uncontrollable urge to move something forward.

a yearning to further

Conveys a deep longing to support or progress something, adding a sentimental aspect.

an ambition to boost

Highlights the goal of enhancing or improving something, focusing on the outcome.

an eagerness to champion

Stresses the enthusiastic support and advocacy for a cause or idea.

a determination to press

Emphasizes the resolve and firmness in pursuing a goal, rather than the initial desire.

an impulse to thrust

Suggests a sudden, instinctive urge to push something forward forcefully.

a propensity to escalate

Indicates a natural tendency to increase or intensify something, often rapidly.

FAQs

How can I use "a desire to push" in a sentence?

You can use "a desire to push" to describe someone's motivation to advance a cause or idea. For example, "Driven by "a desire to push" the boundaries of female achievement, they set out to climb the peaks of Snowdonia."

What are some alternatives to "a desire to push"?

Some alternatives include "an inclination to advance", "a motivation to promote", or "an aspiration to propel", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "desire to push forward" or "a desire to push"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "a desire to push" generally refers to a broader inclination, while "desire to push forward" specifically implies moving something ahead. The choice depends on the intended context.

Can "a desire to push" be used in both formal and informal writing?

While generally acceptable, "a desire to push" might be less suitable for highly formal academic or business contexts. In such cases, alternatives like "an inclination to advance" or "a motivation to promote" might be more appropriate.