desire as though

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "desire as though" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a hypothetical or imaginative longing for something, often in a context that contrasts reality with a wishful thought. Example: "She spoke of her dreams with a passion that made me feel her desire as though it were my own."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

And this kind of uneasiness (or pain: E1-5 II.1is.1: 128), is what Locke describes as desire (E1-5 II.xx.6: 230; E2-5 II.xxi.31–32: 251) (though also as "joined with", "scarce distinguishable from", and a "cause" of desire see Section 8 below).

SEP

This was faith, my uncle had often hinted: feeling and tasting what you desired, as though it were already yours.

The New Yorker

"I'm not too sure it will have the desired effect though, as the Leicester public believe Premier League football is around the corner.

BBC

Plenty of psychological research over the decades shows that we have a desire to feel as though we're in control and that when we do it is good for our well-being.

BBC

Negotiating with sexual desire, strong as ever, though it less reliably elicits a hard-on to fulfill it.

The New Yorker

Fill in as you desire to as dark as you desire until you feel as though it looks best on you.

WikiHow

Third, we were unable to achieve a high response rate as desired, though typical for a mailed questionnaire, even though multiple follow-up attempts were conducted, and this introduces several obvious biases that are a common limitation in mailed surveys.

BMC Public Health

Her desires are for Jeník even though, as she explains in her aria "If I should ever learn", she knows nothing of his background.

Wikipedia

Brimming over with sexual roundelays and delirious plot twists, it feels closer in spirit to a head-spinning Brian De Palma thriller, though desire proves just as punishing, just as dangerous.

The New York Times - Books

"But we were much-improved in the second half and it was pleasing to see the players continue to show such desire even when it looked as though the match had gone".

BBC

If they have the time and the desire, they can flood the market with content, making it seem to unsuspecting searchers as though their singular desires are legion.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "desire as though" to express a strong feeling of wanting something, often accompanied by imagining having it already. This can add depth to your writing, conveying a sense of longing or ambition.

Common error

Avoid using "desire as though" in highly formal or technical writing. While grammatically correct, it can sometimes sound overly sentimental or dramatic in contexts that require a more objective tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "desire as though" functions as a conjunctional phrase expressing a feeling of wanting something with an added element of imagination or strong emotion. It connects the act of desiring with the sensation of already possessing or experiencing the desired outcome. Ludwig confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Missing

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "desire as though" is a grammatically correct phrase used to express a strong feeling of wanting something, often coupled with a sense of imagining or experiencing its fulfillment. While Ludwig confirms its usability, it's more suited for creative or personal writing and less common in formal or technical contexts. Alternatives like "yearn as if" or "crave as if" can be used depending on the desired nuance. Although "desire as though" may not be frequently encountered, its specific function in conveying emotional depth makes it a valuable addition to one's expressive vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

yearn as if

Emphasizes the intensity of longing, similar to "desire as though", but with a slightly more poetic tone.

crave as if

Highlights the intensity of wanting something, portraying a strong sense of need.

long for as if

Focuses on the emotional aspect of missing something or someone, suggesting a heartfelt yearning.

wish as if

Indicates a hope or fantasy, expressing a desire for something that may not be realistic.

want as if

A simpler alternative, focusing on the feeling of wanting something intensely.

imagine possessing

Shifts the focus to the act of imagining having something, highlighting the mental aspect of desire.

dream of having

Emphasizes the aspirational aspect of desire, suggesting a wishful state.

feel as if owning

Highlights the sensation of possession, even without actual ownership.

pretend to possess

Focuses on the act of pretending or imagining oneself in possession of something.

aspire as if already achieved

Suggests a proactive approach to desire, behaving as though the desired outcome has already been attained.

FAQs

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

Use "desire as though" to express a wish or longing, often implying imagination or feeling. For example, "She spoke of her dreams with a passion that made me feel her "desire as though" it were my own."

Are there alternatives to using "desire as though"?

Yes, depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "yearn as if", "crave as if", or "long for as if" to convey a similar meaning.

What is the nuance of "desire as though" compared to simply "desire"?

"Desire as though" adds a layer of imagination or feeling, implying a stronger emotional connection or visualization compared to a simple statement of desire. It suggests experiencing the fulfillment of the "desire" in one's mind.

In what type of writing is "desire as though" most appropriate?

"Desire as though" is most appropriate in creative writing, personal essays, or narratives where conveying emotion and subjective experience is important. It may be less suitable for formal reports or technical documents.