carnal desire

USAGE SUMMARY

"carnal desire" is a grammatically correct phrase and can be used in written English.
It refers to a strong physical or sexual desire. Example: The novel was full of descriptions of the characters' carnal desires, making it an intense and provocative read.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

In so doing they have lost the deep, passionate, raw, carnal desire that draws them to one another and makes each feel deeply desirable.

Huffington Post

Some admit waxing worries stopped them submitting to their carnal desire.

Independent

Everyone was a sleazeball, and greed and carnal desire were the only motives to be found.

The New York Times - Arts

Thus, already in Act I, politics, religion and carnal desire are established as themes.

The New York Times - Arts

According to their neo-Platonic ideas, a love of beauty transcends carnal desire.

The Guardian - Arts

This fits, as PJ Harvey songs often seem to link carnal desire and emotional carnage.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

For all your carnal desires, dancing and cocaine".

The New York Times

They drive individuals to rise above their carnal desires as individuals and strive together towards higher, nobler ends.

The Guardian

But nothing really matters for "skinny, arrogant, dimwit" Bob except satisfying his carnal desires when any mortal stirs up his lustful attention.

Independent

There is certainly no evidence for the Church's unspoken presumption that he was either heterosexual or devoid of carnal desires.

Independent

Location Within bodice-tossing distance of the Moulin Rouge, this is the quarter of the city once known for the sating of carnal desires.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "carnal desire" when you want to emphasize the raw, physical, and often intense nature of sexual desire. Consider the context to ensure it aligns with the overall tone and message.

Common error

Avoid using "carnal desire" in professional or academic writing unless it's directly relevant to the topic. Opt for more neutral terms like "sexual desire" or "physical attraction" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "carnal desire" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to intense physical or sexual longing, indicating a strong, instinctual drive as demonstrated by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Academia

22%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Science

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "carnal desire" is a grammatically sound noun phrase that describes a strong physical or sexual longing. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage and frequent appearance across diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media and Academia. When choosing to employ the expression consider the weight the expression carries in certain contexts and remember to be mindful of your desired purpose. While alternatives such as "sexual longing" or "physical lust" exist, "carnal desire" specifically underscores the raw, instinctual aspect of the craving. Avoid in formal contexts, and always ensure it aligns with the intended tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sexual longing

Focuses on the emotional aspect of the desire.

physical lust

Emphasizes the intense physical aspect of the desire.

sensual appetite

Highlights the craving for sensory and physical pleasure.

bodily craving

Stresses the physical and instinctual nature of the desire.

erotic passion

Implies a strong and romantic element in the desire.

sexual urge

A more clinical and less intense way to describe the desire.

libidinous impulse

A more formal and intense way to express "carnal desire".

animalistic instinct

Focuses on the primal and instinctive nature of the desire.

fleshly appetite

An archaic but evocative way to describe physical desire.

primal urge

Highlights the basic, fundamental nature of the desire.

FAQs

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

You can use "carnal desire" to describe a strong physical or sexual longing, as in "The novel explored the characters' struggle with their "carnal desire"."

What are some alternatives to "carnal desire"?

Alternatives include "sexual longing", "physical lust", or "sensual appetite" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "carnal desire"?

It's appropriate when describing intense physical or sexual attraction, especially in literary, artistic, or psychological contexts. However, consider the formality of the situation; it may be too intense for some settings.

What's the difference between "carnal desire" and "sexual desire"?

"Carnal desire" emphasizes the physical and instinctual aspects of attraction, while "sexual desire" is a broader term that can encompass emotional and relational aspects as well.