a general desire

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a general desire" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a broad or non-specific wish or longing that is not directed towards a particular object or outcome. Example: "There is a general desire among the community for improved public transportation options."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

This echoes a general desire among Generation Y graduates for a more progressive way of working.

The Guardian

"It was a general desire for regime change".

The New York Times

There was, however, a general desire to discard the past and adopt new ideas.

Encyclopedia Britannica

For some, it is part of a general desire to opt out of the capitalist economy.

The Guardian

'There is a general desire to reduce size of government in every area of public life,' she says.

The Guardian

The use of combinatorial technologies is motivated by a general desire to detect as many different pathogens using the smallest, most inexpensive and fastest system possible.

Biosensors and Bioelectronics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

Although Study 5's natural-science student participants may have been driven by a more general desire to embrace an already accepted worldview or reject a theory antagonistic to it [42], the fact that they were able to do so, given the results of the previous four studies, suggests that they also view ET as a source of expansive meaning.

Plosone

As it turns out, quite a bit: The loafer as we know it came about thanks to a combination of Lost Generation wanderlust and a growing and more general desire for comfort.

The New York Times

This is not just a reflection of the general desire to think well of oneself but of the role of closed-mindedness in directly negating one of the key epistemic virtues required for active critical reflection, the virtue of open-mindedness.

Nature

It may seem far-fetched to imagine a future where the general desire to know and track more information about ourselves in real-time extends to devices we wear beneath the skin, but ten years ago who could've predicted the rise of successful startups like Withings who have built a brand on home health tracking, or the advent of a device like the Basis wristband?

TechCrunch

The curious and disheartening thing about this general desire is that a vast majority of the people have held it for 30 years or more.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a general desire", ensure the context clearly indicates who holds this desire. Specifying the group or population helps avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "a general desire" implies universality. Always provide evidence or context to support the claim that a desire is truly widespread.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a general desire" functions as a noun phrase. It typically acts as the subject or object of a sentence, denoting a widespread or non-specific wish or longing. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

27%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a general desire" is a noun phrase used to describe a widespread want or need, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts, especially News & Media and Science, make it a versatile phrase for expressing shared aspirations. When employing this phrase, it's crucial to specify the group holding the desire and avoid overgeneralization. Related phrases like "a widespread aspiration" or "a common longing" can offer nuanced alternatives. This phrase is valuable in both formal and informal communications, reflecting a neutral tone applicable across a range of topics and discussions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a widespread aspiration

Emphasizes the breadth of the desire across a population.

a common longing

Highlights the emotional aspect and sense of yearning.

a collective wish

Focuses on the unified nature of the desire within a group.

a prevailing inclination

Suggests a tendency or leaning towards something.

a universal yearning

Implies the desire is felt by almost everyone.

a shared ambition

Highlights the goal-oriented nature of the desire.

a public sentiment

Emphasizes the expression of the desire within the population.

a prevailing sentiment

Similar to inclination but focuses more on feeling.

a widespread preference

Suggests that most people would choose or favor something.

a national will

Indicates a strong and united desire, often related to political goals.

FAQs

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

You can use "a general desire" to describe a widespread want or need, such as, "There is "a general desire" for improved healthcare in the community."

What's a good alternative to "a general desire"?

Alternatives include "a widespread aspiration", "a common longing", or "a collective wish" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "a general desire" or "a common desire"?

Both "a general desire" and "a common desire" are grammatically correct. The choice depends on context: "general" implies wide spread while "common" emphasizes shared by many.

What does "a general desire" imply about the intensity of the feeling?

"A general desire" suggests that the feeling is widespread but doesn't necessarily indicate its intensity. It could range from a mild preference to a strong yearning.