a keen desire to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a keen desire to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express a strong interest or longing to achieve or obtain something. Example: "She has a keen desire to learn new languages and immerse herself in different cultures."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

There is a keen desire to maintain the neighborhood's privacy.

The New York Times

Nevertheless, he discovered that he had an appetite for campaigning — and a keen desire to hold elected office.

The New Yorker

The Barclays bankers advising Del Monte, he said, "had a keen desire to see the deal close with K.K.R".

The New York Times

Outside, on Fifth Avenue, the forest monk expressed a keen desire to go to that Manhattan forest called Central Park.

The New York Times

Like so many Americans, he felt a keen desire to participate in what was sure to be a memorable chapter in the national epic.

The New York Times

Refugee centers like this one in Hadenya exhibit a proud cooperative spirit, and also a keen desire to maintain Japan's tidy perfectionism.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

The truth was that while I was hungering for her I had an equally keen desire to hold out as long as I could, because if she had any power over me it was sexual power, which, most other things being equal, is what all women should easily have over all men.

The New Yorker

The watchdog said the business department's keen desire to achieve a successful sale of Royal Mail within this parliament "resulted in the shares being priced at a level substantially below that at which they started trading".

The Guardian

The NAO said the business department's keen desire to achieve a successful sale of Royal Mail within this parliament "resulted in the shares being priced at a level substantially below that at which they started trading".

The Guardian - Business

This is an excellent way to bridge that pesky gender gap, as suburban women are known for their keen desire to spend tax dollars on professional football.

The New York Times

What truly sets "Somewhere in the Rainbow" apart from other well-regarded gem collections, however, is its owners' keen desire to share it.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a keen desire to" to convey a strong and enthusiastic want or need, especially when the desire is intellectual or aspirational.

Common error

Avoid using "a keen desire to" for mundane or everyday activities. This phrase is best reserved for expressing strong aspirations, ambitions, or intellectual pursuits, otherwise consider using words like "want" or "need".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a keen desire to" functions as a noun phrase that expresses a strong motivation or aspiration towards a specific action. It often introduces an infinitive verb, indicating the goal or objective of the desire. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is perfectly acceptable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a keen desire to" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase that effectively conveys a strong and enthusiastic wanting or longing. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is appropriate in a wide range of writing contexts. It is most frequently found in news and media, science, and formal business publications. When using this phrase, consider the intensity of the desire you wish to express and the formality of your writing. Alternatives such as ""a strong inclination to"" or ""a burning ambition to"" may be more suitable depending on the specific nuance you intend to communicate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a strong inclination to

This alternative emphasizes the natural tendency or leaning towards something.

a marked eagerness to

This phrase highlights the enthusiasm and readiness to do something.

a firm intention to

This alternative emphasizes the resolve and determination to do something.

a burning ambition to

This phrase suggests a more intense and passionate desire.

a profound aspiration to

This suggests a more elevated and significant goal.

a powerful yearning to

This alternative conveys a deep and emotional longing.

a heartfelt longing to

This alternative emphasizes the sincere and emotional nature of the desire.

an intense craving to

This option signifies a very strong and almost uncontrollable desire.

a great appetite for

This alternative uses the metaphor of hunger to describe a strong desire.

a significant interest in

This phrase focuses more on intellectual curiosity and engagement.

FAQs

What does "a keen desire to" mean?

The phrase "a keen desire to" expresses a strong, enthusiastic, and often intellectual or aspirational wanting or longing for something.

What can I say instead of "a keen desire to"?

You can use alternatives like "a strong inclination to", "a burning ambition to", or "a powerful yearning to" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "a keen desire for"?

Yes, it's grammatically correct to say "a keen desire for". The choice between "a keen desire to [verb]" and "a keen desire for [noun]" depends on whether you're expressing a desire to do something (verb) or a desire for something (noun).

How to use "a keen desire to" in a sentence?

You can use "a keen desire to" followed by a verb, for example: "She has a keen desire to learn new languages". The phrase expresses a strong and enthusiastic wanting to do something.