as desire

USAGE SUMMARY

"as desire" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express strong desire or longing for something. For example, "All he wanted was to see her again, as desire kept growing in his heart."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Bonefish breed patience as well as desire.

The New York Times - Travel

Here, death bangs at the door as noisily as desire.

The New York Times

Despite these flaws, "Swift as Desire" has many charms.

The New York Times - Books

And it's every bit as mesmerizing and vertiginous as desire can be.

The New York Times - Arts

It's a voice as ungovernable as desire and fate, which are Orton's constant subjects.

The New York Times - Arts

But hope as well as desire spring eternal in D'Artagnan's joyful, frazzled, somewhat desperate art.

The New York Times - Arts

The glass tower is an erotic object, an embodiment of aggression as well as desire.

The New York Times - Arts

Mysterious as desire itself, what one person finds sexy is vulgar to another.

The New York Times

But his return to the stove, he says, was as much about necessity as desire.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Throughout her career, Charlesworth sought to strike a balance between what she described as "desire and alienation".

The New Yorker

She offers herself up to the painter, lying back on a rich red bed, her eyes as black as desire.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as desire" to compare the intensity or nature of something with the strong feeling of wanting something, especially when emphasizing the power or influence of that desire.

Common error

While "as desire" is generally acceptable, be mindful of overuse in overly formal or academic writing; consider stronger or more precise synonyms to maintain sophistication and clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as desire" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase used for comparison. Ludwig shows this usage through various examples where "as desire" equates or compares the intensity or nature of an action, feeling, or object to the abstract concept of desire.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as desire" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that functions primarily as a prepositional phrase for comparison. As revealed by Ludwig, it serves to emphasize the intensity or nature of something by comparing it to the strong emotion of desire. While generally neutral in register, it appears most often in news and media, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts. Therefore, its usage is considered acceptable across various writing styles, although more formal alternatives may be considered for academic contexts. The insights provided by Ludwig suggest that using "as desire" is a valid way to enhance descriptive writing by leveraging the emotive power of desire.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

like longing

This phrase uses "longing" to emphasize a yearning or craving, suggesting a more emotional connection than a simple wish.

such as yearning

This phrase specifies 'yearning' as an example within a broader category, indicating a deep and persistent desire.

akin to wanting

This phrase uses "wanting" as an analogy, suggesting a similarity in nature or quality with a focus on lacking something.

similar to craving

This phrase highlights the intensity of the desire, emphasizing an almost uncontrollable need or hunger.

paralleling ambition

This phrase equates desire with ambition, focusing on a strong drive toward achievement or success.

reflecting appetite

This phrase likens desire to appetite, often in a physical or sensual context, emphasizing immediate gratification.

in accordance with passion

This phrase associates desire with passion, highlighting intense emotions and enthusiasm.

resembling inclination

This phrase positions desire as a preference or tendency, suggesting a leaning toward a particular option or course of action.

comparable to aspiration

This phrase connects desire with a hope or ambition for something, often of a higher or more idealistic nature.

matching thirst

This phrase equates desire to thirst, highlighting an intense craving that demands satisfaction.

FAQs

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

You can use "as desire" to draw a comparison, such as "His ambition burned as bright "as desire" itself" or to emphasize the intensity of a feeling or action.

What are some synonyms for "as desire"?

Alternatives include phrases like "like longing", "similar to craving", or "akin to wanting", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "as desire" in academic writing?

Yes, it is grammatically correct, but consider whether a more precise or formal alternative might better suit the tone of academic writing. Phrases such "as yearning" may be preferable.

What's the difference between "as desire" and "with desire"?

"As desire" is used to make a comparison, while "with desire" indicates that something is done or experienced in conjunction with the feeling of desire. For example, "He looked at her with desire" indicates he felt desire, while "His eyes burned as desire" compares the intensity of his gaze to desire.