are desperate for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are desperate for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a strong need or desire for something. Example: "The students are desperate for more resources to help them succeed in their studies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Others are desperate for access.

The Economist

"People are desperate for merchandise.

The New York Times

"People are desperate for that".

The New Yorker

They are desperate for results.

The New York Times

Many Chinese are desperate for its gadgets.

The Economist

Many Nigerians are desperate for change.

The Economist

These players are desperate for tomorrow.

Independent

People are desperate for work.

The Guardian - Tech

"People are desperate for housing".

The New York Times

People are desperate for security.

The New York Times

They are desperate for arms".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are desperate for" to effectively convey a sense of urgency or strong desire. Ensure the context supports the intensity of the phrase.

Common error

Avoid using "are desperate for" in situations where a milder expression of need or desire would be more appropriate. Overuse can dilute the impact of the phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are desperate for" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate a state of extreme need or urgent desire. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is correct and commonly used in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are desperate for" is a common and grammatically correct way to express a strong need or desire. Predominantly found in News & Media, according to Ludwig AI, this phrase effectively conveys urgency and intensity. When writing, remember that alternatives like "urgently require" or "are in dire need of" can provide nuanced variations, but be cautious not to overuse "desperate" to maintain its impact. Ludwig’s analysis confirms that while versatile, the phrase should be used judiciously to accurately reflect the level of urgency or desire.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are in dire need of

Highlights the severity of the need.

urgently require

Emphasizes the pressing need for something.

are dying for

Expresses an extreme desire, often hyperbolic.

are gasping for

Suggests a desperate need, especially for something essential.

are clamoring for

Suggests a noisy and insistent demand.

are itching for

Indicates an impatient desire or eagerness.

are craving

Implies a strong desire or longing.

are hankering for

Implies a persistent and somewhat wistful desire.

are yearning for

Conveys a deep, heartfelt longing.

are athirst for

A more formal and literary way of expressing a strong desire.

FAQs

How to use "are desperate for" in a sentence?

Use "are desperate for" to indicate that someone has a pressing need or intense desire for something. For example, "The refugees "are desperate for" shelter and food".

What can I say instead of "are desperate for"?

You can use alternatives like "urgently require", "are in dire need of", or "are craving" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "are desperate for" or "is desperate for"?

"Are desperate for" is used with plural subjects, while "is desperate for" is used with singular subjects. For example, "They "are desperate for" help" (plural) versus "He "is desperate for" a job" (singular).

What's the difference between "are desperate for" and "are eager for"?

"Are desperate for" implies a greater sense of urgency and need than "are eager for". Desperation suggests a critical situation, while eagerness simply indicates strong enthusiasm or anticipation.