a heightened desire

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a heightened desire" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an increased or intensified longing or craving for something. Example: "After hearing about the new restaurant opening, I felt a heightened desire to try their signature dish."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Along with its heightened awareness of the value of life, it brings a heightened desire to bring a new world into existence.

The New York Times - Books

"People are still concerned about the immediate outlook, so there's a heightened desire to stay safe and liquid and short," said Robert DiClemente, chief United States economist at Citigroup.

The New York Times

Second, individuals with greater assets are more likely to have a heightened desire for estate planning.

Financial Innovation

For one, the players seemed to have a heightened desire to win against their old team.

BBC

First, individuals who report high meditation practices are more likely to have a heightened desire for estate planning.

Financial Innovation

The only thing I have gotten out of my feedback is a heightened desire to make clear to my youngest learners that I love them and I will help.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Yet unless expectations are aroused and mobilized, with all the dangers of frustration inherent in heightened desire, new thinking and new choice can never come to light.

Harvard Business Review

And while acknowledging that students who study abroad are often a fearless lot, Dr. Scheid said the increase was at least partly driven by students' heightened desire to learn more about the world around them.

The New York Times

"Mothers seem to have that heightened desire to view their children as being good, being Christlike," Father Burns said, "and the ultimate way of being Christlike is to accept a vocation to the priesthood or religious life".

The New York Times

This may reflect a progressive deterioration in the brain and body systems that regulate and maintain optimal energy balance, one expression of which is select cortical and subcortical dysfunction leading to increases in energy consumption through heightened desire for high-calorie foods.

Nature

The speech was by far Mr. Bush's most comprehensive, specific and strongly worded criticism of his Democratic opponent's policies, signaling his campaign's heightened desire to challenge Mr. Gore on issues and fashioning Mr. Bush as the real populist in the presidential race.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a heightened desire" to convey an intensified feeling or motivation, particularly when describing a change from a previous state. For example, "After the motivational speech, the team felt a heightened desire to win."

Common error

Avoid using "a heightened desire" in very formal or academic writing where simpler alternatives like "increased interest" or "stronger motivation" might be more appropriate. Context is key to choose between the alternatives.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a heightened desire" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. As noted by Ludwig, it describes an intensified longing or craving. Examples in Ludwig illustrate its use in various contexts, such as a heightened desire to win or to learn.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a heightened desire" is a grammatically sound and usable expression to convey an intensified longing or craving, as affirmed by Ludwig. While not as common as simpler alternatives, it adds nuance by emphasizing the increase in desire. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its applicability across various contexts, particularly in news, media, and scientific writing. When using "a heightened desire", consider the context to ensure it aligns with the intended tone and formality. Remember that it specifically denotes an increase in desire, not merely a strong desire.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an intensified craving

Emphasizes the intensity of the desire, suggesting a strong need or longing.

an increased yearning

Highlights a deep longing or wistful desire.

a stronger inclination

Indicates a greater tendency or preference towards something.

a burning ambition

Suggests a powerful and driving force for achievement.

an acute longing

Emphasizes the sharpness and intensity of the desire.

a profound eagerness

Highlights a deep enthusiasm and anticipation.

an amplified motivation

Focuses on the increased drive and impetus.

a keen interest

Indicates a strong and active curiosity or concern.

a growing appetite

Implies an increasing hunger or craving, often used metaphorically.

a surging passion

Highlights a powerful and overwhelming emotion.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "a heightened desire" in a sentence?

Use "a heightened desire" to describe an increase in someone's longing or motivation for something. For example, "The positive feedback gave him "a heightened desire" to improve his skills".

What are some alternatives to "a heightened desire"?

You can use alternatives like "an intensified craving", "an increased yearning", or "a stronger inclination" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "heightened desire for" or "heightened desire to"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "heightened desire for" is typically followed by a noun, while "heightened desire to" is followed by a verb. For example, "heightened desire for success" vs "heightened desire to succeed".

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

"A heightened desire" implies an increase in desire, while "a strong desire" simply indicates the intensity of the desire without implying a change from a previous state.