an underlying desire

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an underlying desire" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a hidden or not immediately obvious wish or longing that influences behavior or thoughts. Example: "Her actions were driven by an underlying desire to be accepted by her peers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

We each have different approaches to feminism, but recognise an underlying desire for female self-determination.

The Guardian - Opinion

But, Mr. Tafel added, "it's dangerous to get involved in gay politics if you have an underlying desire to be liked".

The New York Times

As with Hogg's previous films, Unrelated and Archipelago, there's an underlying desire to scream at the suffocatingly insular bourgeois ennui; certainly, Exhibition requires both patience and tolerance to get beneath its chilly surface.

The Guardian - Film

What Jennings has stumbled upon is an underlying desire for something different from the latest models of luxury, speed or heft — traits that dominate most automotive choices of rich and famous athletes.

The New York Times - Sports

I honestly believe there is an underlying desire to break free from their regime and that once they know what they are missing, they will begin to fight for it.

The Economist

What I fear is that there is an underlying desire on our society's part to see women forgive because it fits the gendered narratives that we've been given of women being the ones that sacrifice themselves for the sake of the relationship, the family and/or the community.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

But my fear or dislike or boredom never seems to diminish my underlying desire for a guy to stay, or at least to say he is going to stay, for a very long time.

The New York Times

Inclusion, cooperation and collaboration of public and private sectors is the underlying desire this year; there is a palpable urgency to affect significant progress vis-à-vis climate change, poverty, corruption, cybersecurity and education.

Huffington Post

This is the stuff that Sarah Palin and Rick Perry are made of -- the underlying desire for independence especially from a monopoly electric utility.

Huffington Post

This underlying desire to look and feel like a princess can even overlap into the dream of being a bride -- surrounded by all the glittering trappings the wedding pageantry offers.

Huffington Post

But the underlying desire to communicate is the driver – that hasn't changed.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an underlying desire", ensure that the context clearly indicates what the desire is and how it influences the subject's actions or feelings. This adds depth and understanding to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "an underlying desire" when the desire is already apparent or explicitly stated. This can make your writing seem redundant and less impactful. Opt for more direct language in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an underlying desire" functions as a noun phrase, where "underlying" modifies the noun "desire". It indicates a motivation or wish that is not immediately apparent or obvious. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable form.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an underlying desire" is a valid and useful phrase for describing a hidden or fundamental motivation. While not exceedingly common, as identified by Ludwig, it is grammatically sound and appropriate across various contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business settings. To enhance your writing, ensure clarity by specifying what this desire is and its impact. Avoid redundancy by using it only when the desire isn't already explicitly stated. Explore related phrases like ""a hidden aspiration"" or ""a fundamental yearning"" for nuanced alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a hidden aspiration

Focuses on the concealed nature of the desire and frames it as an aspiration.

a fundamental yearning

Emphasizes the basic and deep-seated nature of the desire, using "yearning" to convey a strong longing.

a deep-seated longing

Highlights the profound and ingrained quality of the desire.

a subconscious urge

Indicates that the desire is operating at a subconscious level.

a latent ambition

Presents the desire as an ambition that is not yet overtly expressed or active.

an unspoken craving

Stresses that the desire is not openly expressed.

a concealed motive

Shifts the focus to the desire as a reason for action that is kept secret.

a suppressed inclination

Suggests the desire is being held back or restrained.

a basic motivation

Focuses on the desire as a core driver of behavior.

a primary impulse

Highlights the desire as an initial driving force.

FAQs

How can I use "an underlying desire" in a sentence?

You can use "an underlying desire" to describe a hidden or fundamental motivation. For example, "His generosity stemmed from "an underlying desire" to help those less fortunate than himself."

What are some alternatives to "an underlying desire"?

Some alternatives to "an underlying desire" include "a hidden aspiration", "a fundamental yearning", or "a deep-seated longing", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "an underlying desire" or "a surface desire"?

"An underlying desire" refers to a hidden or less obvious motivation, while "a surface desire" refers to a more apparent or superficial one. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the hidden or obvious nature of the desire.

What's the difference between "an underlying need" and "an underlying desire"?

"An underlying need" suggests a fundamental requirement or necessity, while "an underlying desire" suggests a strong wish or longing. Needs are typically more basic and essential for survival or well-being, while desires are often more personal and subjective.