burning desire

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "burning desire" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a strong and passionate longing or ambition. For example, "John had a burning desire to win the championship race."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

General

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It wasn't any burning desire.

The New York Times - Sports

"There hadn't been a burning desire".

The New York Times - Books

He's got a burning desire to compete.

The New York Times - Sports

* Enrontia: the burning desire to shred things.

The New York Times

His most burning desire is simply to succeed.

The Economist

"He has a burning desire to win and be good.

The New York Times - Sports

And Phaedra is burning desire, desire associated with death.

The Guardian - Film

He has a burning desire to do his own thing".

The New York Times - Sports

One was my burning desire to make art.

The Guardian - Arts

I have a burning desire to clear my name.

The Guardian

"He has a burning desire to be good.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "burning desire" to convey a strong, passionate feeling. Ensure it aligns with the context and avoids cliché through specific details.

Common error

While "burning desire" is acceptable, avoid using it excessively. Vary your vocabulary to maintain the reader's interest and add nuance to your writing. Alternatives like "intense yearning" or "fervent ambition" may be more appropriate in certain contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "burning desire" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It describes a powerful emotion, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this usage is grammatically sound and widely accepted.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Sports

25%

General

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "burning desire" is a grammatically correct and widely used noun phrase that conveys a strong, passionate longing or ambition. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it's acceptable for use in written English. While common across various contexts, including news, sports, and general writing, it's essential to avoid overuse and consider more nuanced alternatives like "intense yearning" or "fervent ambition" for specific situations. The phrase functions primarily to express deep motivation and is generally neutral in register. With a high frequency of occurrence, particularly in news and media sources, "burning desire" remains a potent and recognizable expression of intense aspiration.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

consuming passion

Highlights the overwhelming and all-encompassing nature of the desire.

fervent ambition

Stresses a strong and dedicated drive to achieve a specific goal.

overriding ambition

Focuses on a desire that takes precedence over all other considerations.

intense yearning

Emphasizes a deep and persistent longing, often for something unattainable.

deep-seated longing

Indicates a desire that is deeply ingrained and difficult to overcome.

unyielding aspiration

Suggests a steadfast and unwavering commitment to one's goals.

insatiable craving

Emphasizes the unappeasable and relentless nature of the desire.

powerful urge

Highlights the irresistible and compelling nature of the desire.

driving force

Implies that the desire is the primary motivator behind one's actions.

great enthusiasm

Implies desire mixed with excitement about something.

FAQs

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

You can use "burning desire" to express a strong feeling or ambition, such as, "She had a "burning desire" to become a doctor" or "His "burning desire" was to travel the world".

What are some synonyms for "burning desire"?

Alternatives to "burning desire" include "intense yearning", "consuming passion", or "fervent ambition", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "burning desire" in formal writing?

While "burning desire" is widely understood, it can be considered somewhat informal. In highly formal contexts, consider alternatives like "strong aspiration" or "intense motivation" for a more professional tone.

What's the difference between "burning desire" and "strong wish"?

"Burning desire" implies a more intense and passionate longing than a "strong wish". A "strong wish" is simply a heartfelt hope, whereas a "burning desire" suggests a driving force behind one's actions.