a desk of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a desk of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that belongs to or is associated with a desk, such as its contents or features. Example: "On a desk of cluttered papers and books, I found the missing report."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

"Besides, I don't even have a desk of my own".

The New York Times

Dr Kelly did not have a desk of his own at the MoD, or a phone.

The Guardian

It contains machinery for large-screen TV projection, and a desk of Presidential dimensions, bristling with gadgets.

The New Yorker

Simon Cowell gets this, which is why he has given us both a phone vote and a desk of judges.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

To pay his bills, Mr. Smith sits down at a desk of brushed steel and East Indian laurel, designed by Gilbert Rohde in 1934.

The New York Times

A room of one's own, or at least a desk of one's own, has been the executive security blanket for a century or more.

Harvard Business Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

The room also holds a desk for each of them.

The New York Times

There's a desk full of candy on the floor of the U.S. Senate.

Huffington Post

We also conducted a desk review of archival reports and documents of the GHS.

Global health, science and practice

In one instance, federal agents wanted access to a locked desk of a doctor who was not in the office.

The New York Times

A desk full of clutter creates "a low murmur of anxiety," Ms. Morgenstern said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a desk of" to describe items commonly found in, on, or associated with a desk. For instance, "a desk of scattered files" clearly indicates the state of the desk.

Common error

Avoid using "a desk of" when you intend to show possession or ownership of the desk itself. Instead of "a desk of John", use "John's desk".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a desk of" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically modifying a noun or noun phrase by providing descriptive details about the contents or characteristics associated with a desk. This is evident in Ludwig's examples, such as "a desk of scattered files."

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a desk of" is a grammatically correct and common prepositional phrase used to describe the contents, characteristics, or items associated with a desk. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and correctness. It is most frequently found in news articles, formal documents, and general writing, and it serves to provide descriptive details. While versatile, avoid using it to indicate possession, opting instead for possessive forms (e.g., "John's desk").

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

desk with

Focuses on describing the desk's features or contents.

desk containing

Highlights the desk's capacity to hold certain items.

the desk belonging to

Specifies ownership or association with a person.

the contents of a desk

Emphasizes what is inside or on the desk.

a workstation including

Describes a larger workspace that includes a desk.

a table equipped with

Focuses on describing an element that has been added.

a counter featuring

Emphasizes the notable elements of a desk.

a bureau composed of

Describes the desk's material.

writing surface holding

Highlights the items that can be found in a desk.

desktop setup including

Emphasizes elements that are needed to create a functional workspace.

FAQs

How can I use "a desk of" in a sentence?

Use "a desk of" to describe what is characteristically found in, on, or part of a desk. For instance, "He cleared "a desk of" clutter before starting work".

What can I say instead of "a desk of"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "desk with", "desk containing", or "the contents of a desk".

Is it correct to say "a desk of John"?

No, "a desk of John" is grammatically incorrect to show possession. The correct form is "John's desk", using the possessive form.

When should I use "a desk of" versus "on the desk"?

"A desk of" describes the typical contents or characteristics associated with a desk, like ""a desk of" papers". "On the desk" specifies items physically located on the desk surface, such as "The book is on the desk".