a growing desire

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a growing desire" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express an increasing feeling or wish for something over time. Example: "As the project progressed, there was a growing desire among the team to innovate and push boundaries."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But a growing desire to prioritise quality in Nollywood will drive up the chances each year.

The Economist

Mr. Zou thrived, nonetheless, and secretly nurtured a growing desire to dance abroad.

The New York Times

Sources familiar with the deliberations describe fatigue, frustration and a growing desire to disengage from Iraq.

The Washington Post

Concurrently, there is a growing desire from teachers for more inter-disciplinary project-based learning.

The Guardian

Yet in recent years, many educators see a growing desire for more limits.

The New York Times

"I think there is a growing desire to see civility back," she said.

The New York Times

There's a growing desire by ordinary people to see representational art.

The New York Times

The planned trip is part of a growing desire to do something more with his life.

The Guardian - Film

Globalisation has gone hand in hand with a growing desire for nations to take responsibility for their own affairs.

Independent

"There is a growing desire on the part of the Palestinian public to seek out alternative means," Mr. Shikaki said.

The New York Times

Yet if a negotiated endgame has not begun in Afghanistan, there is a growing desire for one.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a growing desire" to convey a sense of increasing want or need over time, rather than a sudden impulse. For example, "There is a growing desire for sustainable products among consumers."

Common error

Avoid using "a growing desire" when referring to a fixed or static preference. The phrase implies a change or development over time; instead, use phrases like "a preference for" or "an interest in" when describing unchanging tastes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a growing desire" functions as a noun phrase, with "growing" acting as a present participle adjective modifying the noun "desire". It typically serves as the subject or object of a sentence, indicating the thing that is increasing. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a growing desire" is a versatile and grammatically correct phrase used to express an increasing want or need over time. As Ludwig AI illustrates, this phrase is most commonly found in News & Media contexts but also appears in scientific and business writing. The best practice is to use it when describing something that is increasing in intensity, not a static preference. If you're aiming for different nuances, consider alternatives like "an increasing longing" or "a rising yearning". With its wide applicability and clear meaning, "a growing desire" is a valuable addition to your vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an increasing longing

Emphasizes the emotional aspect of wanting something more and more.

a rising yearning

Highlights a deep and persistent feeling of wanting something.

an escalating ambition

Focuses on the professional or personal goals aspect of wanting more.

a burgeoning aspiration

Implies a developing and expanding sense of hope and motivation.

a mounting craving

Suggests an intense and perhaps uncontrollable want.

an intensifying urge

Highlights the physical or emotional drive behind the desire.

a developing appetite

Implies a gradual increase in enthusiasm or interest.

a heightened inclination

Focuses on a stronger tendency or preference.

a swelling hunger

Suggests a powerful and unmet need.

an emerging passion

Highlights a newly developed and intense enthusiasm.

FAQs

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

You can use "a growing desire" to indicate an increasing want or need for something. For example: "There is "a growing desire" among the population for access to healthcare."

What are some alternatives to saying "a growing desire"?

Alternatives include "an increasing longing", "a rising yearning", or "an escalating ambition", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "a growing desire for" or "a growing desire to"?

Both are grammatically correct, but they are used in different contexts. "A growing desire for" is typically followed by a noun (e.g., "a growing desire for change"), while "a growing desire to" is followed by a verb (e.g., "a growing desire to travel").

What's the difference between "a growing desire" and "a strong desire"?

"A strong desire" indicates the intensity of the feeling at a particular moment, while "a growing desire" suggests that the feeling has been increasing over time. You might have "a strong desire" for ice cream right now, but there might be "a growing desire" for healthier eating habits in the population.