desirable to

USAGE SUMMARY

"desirable to" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that is considered good or beneficial to someone or something. Example: It is desirable to have a strong work ethic in order to succeed in this company.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

As a desirable (to the N.R.A).

The New Yorker

He never made the business look desirable to robbers.

The New York Times

"It's a central location and desirable to businesses and churches".

The New York Times

Some 911 models desirable to collectors command stratospheric prices.

The New York Times

And it is highly desirable to be a chaebol employee.

The Economist

It may be desirable to have a new electoral law.

The Economist

We're recommending offices that would offer services that are desirable to have".

The New York Times

So buying in an area that was desirable to others year round was very important.

The New York Times

So it's desirable to be transparent, but what about the additional cost?

The Guardian

Higher disposable income makes it possible, even desirable, to dress up the mundane things in life.

The New York Times

"There are many things in this collection that are highly desirable to any museum.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "desirable to", ensure clarity about who or what benefits from the action or quality being described. This prevents ambiguity and strengthens the impact of your statement.

Common error

While "desirable to" is acceptable, avoid overuse in very formal writing. Consider stronger, more precise alternatives like "essential for" or "crucial to" for greater impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "desirable to" functions as an adjective phrase followed by a preposition, modifying a noun or pronoun by expressing that something possesses qualities that make it attractive, useful, or beneficial. Ludwig provides examples showing how it indicates a favorable or advantageous condition.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

43%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "desirable to" is a grammatically sound and widely used construction indicating that something is advantageous or beneficial. As Ludwig AI confirms, it fits seamlessly into various contexts, from news reports and scientific papers to general recommendations. It is neutral to slightly formal in register and particularly frequent in scientific and news-related content. While versatile, it's crucial to consider stronger alternatives in highly formal writing for greater precision. Remember to maintain clarity about who or what is benefitting, and you'll effectively leverage the phrase's suggestive power.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

advantageous to

Stresses the benefits and positive outcomes for someone or something.

beneficial for

Highlights positive effect on someone or something.

attractive to

Focuses on appeal or allure, rather than inherent benefit.

preferred by

Focuses on someone's choice or inclination.

worthwhile to

Emphasizes the value or reward gained from something.

ideal to

Implies perfection or the best possible option.

commendable to

Highlights the praiseworthy or admirable aspect of something.

suitable to

Suggests appropriateness or fitness for a specific purpose or situation.

feasible to

Indicates the practicality or possibility of something.

expedient to

Indicates convenience and practicality in achieving a goal.

FAQs

How can I use "desirable to" in a sentence?

You can use "desirable to" to indicate that something is advantageous or beneficial for someone or something. For example, "It is desirable to have a strong understanding of the subject matter before taking the exam."

What are some alternatives to "desirable to"?

Alternatives to "desirable to" include "advantageous to", "beneficial for", or "preferable to" depending on the specific context.

Is "desirable to" formal or informal?

"Desirable to" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal. While appropriate in many contexts, consider alternatives for highly formal or informal situations.

What's the difference between "desirable to" and "essential to"?

"Desirable to" implies a preference or advantage, while "essential to" suggests something is absolutely necessary. Use "essential to" when the outcome depends on it; otherwise, "desirable to" is appropriate.