a specific desire

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a specific desire" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a particular wish or want that is clearly defined or identified. Example: "She expressed a specific desire to travel to Japan next year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

My yearning for the city life came from a specific desire to blend into the crowd.

The Guardian

FilterName This should likely be left to the default value of None, unless you have a specific desire to test a filter.

Harvard University

Because while dating methods evolve, the human emotions underpinning them never do, namely, hope, loneliness, a search for validation, a generalised desire for sex, and eventually a specific desire for love.

The Guardian - Opinion

It set four key criteria: evidence of suicidal intent, proof of a specific desire for officers to shoot, possession of a deadly weapon or a replica of one, and evidence of deliberate escalation.

The Guardian

Many buyers of F.D.N.Y. and N.Y.P.D. merchandise over the last three months have expressed a specific desire that some of their money go to the departments, rather than to some unaffiliated vendor.

The New York Times

"Clearing tutors will be far more impressed by your application if you express a specific desire to come to their institution and give reasons for it," says Amy Croft, course director at Kingston University.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

As an example, the controller is designed for a specific desired process behavior.

Fuzzy Sets and Systems

For years, chemists have been searching for catalysts that would simplify the process, skipping the syngas step and instead converting methane directly into a specific, desired chemical.

MIT Technology Review

In principle, sequence-defined synthetic polymers based on nonbiological monomers and backbones might overcome these constraints; however, identifying the sequence of a synthetic polymer that possesses a specific desired functional property remains a major challenge.

Harvard University

This information can be utilized for the determination of appropriate dosing regimens based on reaching a specific desired Cmax, maintaining steady-state blood/plasma concentrations, or other exposure target.

Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology

Thus, it may be difficult to induce a specific, desired brain state, without inducing other (perhaps undesired) brain states, when the primitives under consideration are all "brain regions". Clearly, this convenient abstraction layer, which has been prominent across centuries of neuroscience, will need to be refined in order to develop a fully flexible architecture for cognitive augmentation.

MIT Technology Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a specific desire", ensure that the context clarifies what makes the desire specific. Provide details or examples to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a specific desire" without clearly indicating what makes the desire specific. Vague statements weaken the impact and clarity of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a specific desire" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the object of a verb or the subject of a clause. It denotes a particular want or need that is clearly defined. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in English writing.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

29%

Academia

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a specific desire" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that denotes a particular, well-defined want or need. As evidenced by Ludwig, it is frequently found in news, scientific, and academic contexts. When using this phrase, it's important to clearly articulate what makes the desire specific to avoid vagueness. Alternatives such as ""a particular longing"" or ""a clear intention"" can be used to add nuance. Ensuring clarity and context will enhance the effectiveness of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a particular longing

Substitutes "desire" with "longing", implying a more emotional and deeply felt want.

a definite wish

Replaces "specific" with "definite", emphasizing clarity and certainty of the wish.

a distinct inclination

Uses "inclination" instead of "desire", suggesting a tendency or preference.

a clear intention

Focuses on the planned action rather than the feeling of wanting something.

a precise aim

Emphasizes the exactness of the goal or objective.

a targeted goal

Highlights that the objective is focused and directed.

a determined aspiration

Suggests a strong and resolute ambition.

a marked preference

Emphasizes a noticeable favoritism or choice.

a conscious craving

Highlights the awareness and intensity of the desire.

a set ambition

Refers to a firmly established goal or ambition.

FAQs

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

You can use "a specific desire" to describe a particular want or need. For example, "She had "a specific desire" to learn to play the piano".

What are some alternatives to "a specific desire"?

Alternatives include "a particular longing", "a definite wish", or "a clear intention" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say "a specific desire"?

While "desire" implies a certain level of specificity, using "a specific desire" can emphasize the clarity and focus of the want or need.

How does "a specific desire" differ from "a general desire"?

"A specific desire" refers to a clearly defined want, whereas "a general desire" is a broader, less focused feeling. For instance, wanting a particular job versus wanting to be successful.