a powerful desire

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a powerful desire" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express a strong feeling or longing for something. Example: "She felt a powerful desire to travel the world and experience new cultures."

✓ Grammatically correct

Personal Motivation

Political and Social Change

Artistic Expression

Human Behavior

Relationships

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

When facing personal disaster, people often have a powerful desire to hit the road.

The Guardian - Books

Gripped by a powerful desire to run once more, he set off into the night.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I was gripped at times by a powerful desire to hurl my camera into the sea.

The New York Times - Arts

His surge shows there is a powerful desire under the surface for change.

The New York Times

Some nights, especially when gauchos from out of town or some disoriented travelling salesman turned up, Pereda felt a powerful desire to start a fight.

The New Yorker

There was a powerful desire among the French Republicans to destroy the hegemony of the Catholic Church after the Republic was definitively reëstablished in 1871.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

"What you've got here is a massively powerful desire to believe," he sighs, thinking of all the investors who don't sell when it's obvious that a company's fortunes are going south, out of either a fear they will miss out on a rally or a stubborn unwillingness to admit they were wrong to buy the stock.

Forbes

In learning mode, we can reconcile our yearning for authenticity in how we work and lead with an equally powerful desire to grow.

Harvard Business Review

It is argued that each time an alcoholic takes a drink, this is the result of choice; however, in cases of serious affliction, such choices are compulsive and may be called 'involuntary' in that they are made against the subject's will, motivated by an overwhelmingly powerful desire that he wishes he did not have and not to act on.

Johns Hopkins University

For more Inforeallyn on the screening schedule and times please go to: myreincarnationfilm.com.

Huffington Post

Explore why by considering whether it because they have done or not done something you have wanted, which is a reflection of how powerful desire is in the relationship.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a powerful desire" to emphasize the intensity of someone's motivation or longing. It adds weight to the emotion or drive being described.

Common error

Avoid using "a powerful desire" in very casual conversations; it can sound overly dramatic. Simpler terms like "really want" or "eager to" may be more appropriate in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a powerful desire" functions as a noun phrase, where "powerful" modifies the noun "desire." It expresses a strong and compelling feeling or motivation. As Ludwig AI shows, the phrase is commonly used to describe intense emotions or yearnings.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a powerful desire" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that expresses a strong feeling or motivation. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it's suitable for various contexts, though perhaps less so in very informal conversations. It functions as a noun phrase and serves to emphasize the intensity of a particular longing or drive. While alternatives like "an intense yearning" or "a compelling urge" exist, "a powerful desire" remains a potent way to convey deep-seated emotions or motivations. The phrase is frequently found in news and media, scientific, and formal business writing, marking it as a versatile option for expressing significant internal drives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an intense yearning

Emphasizes the emotional aspect of longing, suggesting a deep and persistent craving.

a profound craving

Indicates a strong and deeply felt need or want.

a compelling urge

Suggests an irresistible impulse, focusing on the driving force behind the desire.

a deep-seated longing

Implies that the desire is deeply ingrained and has been present for a significant time.

a strong inclination

Indicates a leaning towards a particular action or belief, highlighting a preference rather than an overwhelming need.

an overwhelming passion

Highlights the emotional intensity and enthusiasm associated with the desire.

a fervent aspiration

Emphasizes the hopeful and enthusiastic nature of the desire.

a burning ambition

Specifically refers to a strong drive for achievement and success.

a consuming hunger

Highlights the all-encompassing nature of the desire, suggesting it dominates one's thoughts and actions.

an insatiable appetite

Conveys a desire that cannot be easily satisfied, suggesting a relentless pursuit.

FAQs

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

You can use "a powerful desire" to describe a strong feeling or motivation. For example, "He had "a powerful desire" to succeed in his career".

What are some alternatives to "a powerful desire"?

Some alternatives include "an intense yearning", "a strong inclination", or "a compelling urge" depending on the context.

Is "a powerful desire" formal or informal?

"A powerful desire" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but it is more commonly found in writing or more deliberate speech. In very casual conversation, simpler phrases might be preferred.

What makes "a powerful desire" different from "a strong wish"?

"A powerful desire" suggests a more intense and compelling feeling than "a strong wish". A wish can be a passing thought, while a desire implies a driving force.