a strong desire

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a strong desire" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a powerful wish or longing for something. Example: "She had a strong desire to travel the world and experience different cultures."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A strong desire to make a positive impact.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

And a strong desire to do good for society.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

This retreat signalled a strong desire to settle.

The Economist

There is a strong desire to learn English.

The New Yorker

They also had a strong desire to move on.

The New York Times

[But] there's a strong desire to get it done.

The Guardian

I felt exhausted, humbled, and had a strong desire to rejoin my family – all predictable.

Yale University

What emerged was a strong desire among students for dedicated study and social space.

Harvard University

Perhaps your interests were based in viticulture, with a strong desire to grow vines.

Cornell University

"I still really have a strong desire to be an Olympian," he said.

The New York Times

A major reason that it's gotten delayed is a strong desire to do modular.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a strong desire", ensure the object of the desire is clearly stated to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify "a strong desire to learn" or "a strong desire for success".

Common error

Avoid using "a strong desire" as a mere filler. Instead, provide context or evidence to illustrate the intensity of the desire. For example, instead of just stating "he had a strong desire to win", elaborate with "he trained relentlessly, showcasing his strong desire to win."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a strong desire" primarily functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI indicates that it correctly expresses a powerful wish or longing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

30%

Academia

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

11%

Wiki

3%

Science & Research

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a strong desire" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase for expressing a powerful feeling of wanting something. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and suitability for various contexts. It functions primarily as a noun phrase and serves to communicate motivation or aspiration. While appropriate for formal and informal settings, the phrase benefits from clear specification of the object of desire. Alternatives such as "a powerful longing" or "a deep yearning" can provide nuanced expressions depending on the intended tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a strong willingness

Emphasizes readiness and inclination, shifting focus from feeling to active intention.

a powerful longing

Highlights the emotional aspect of desire, intensifying the sense of yearning.

a deep yearning

Similar to powerful longing, evokes a profound sense of emotional longing.

an intense craving

Suggests an urgent and compelling need, often associated with physical or psychological needs.

a burning ambition

Focuses on a strong desire for achievement, suggesting a relentless pursuit of goals.

an overwhelming urge

Indicates a compelling impulse that is difficult to resist, often spontaneous.

a keen aspiration

Highlights the aspirational aspect of desire, emphasizing hope and ambition.

a fervent wish

Emphasizes the sincerity and intensity of the wish, suggesting heartfelt hope.

a compelling need

Shifts the focus to necessity, implying that the desire is essential or crucial.

a marked inclination

Suggests a natural tendency or preference, highlighting a leaning towards something.

FAQs

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

You can use "a strong desire" to express an intense feeling of wanting something, such as "She has "a strong desire" to travel the world" or "He showed "a strong desire" to improve his skills".

What are some alternatives to "a strong desire"?

Alternatives to "a strong desire" include "a powerful longing", "a deep yearning", or "an intense craving", depending on the context.

Is it always appropriate to use "a strong desire" in formal writing?

Yes, "a strong desire" is appropriate in formal writing, but consider alternatives like "a keen aspiration" or "a marked inclination" if you aim for a more nuanced expression.

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

"A strong desire" implies a powerful want, while "a strong need" suggests a necessity. For example, you might have "a strong desire" for a vacation, but you have "a compelling need" to pay your bills.