desire for

USAGE SUMMARY

"desire for" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when expressing a strong longing or wanting for something. For example: "I have an overwhelming desire for success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Your desire for knowledge.

The New York Times - Books

He has no desire for deification.

The New York Times

It appeals to a desire for fairness.

The New York Times

The desire for fiscal relief is understandable.

The New York Times

The desire for common purpose wasn't.

The New York Times

There is no apparent desire for martyrdom.

The Economist

But desire for it eluded me.

Independent

And a national desire for revenge.

Independent

And also a desire for blood.

The New Yorker

Desire, for example, "arises not from reason".

The New York Times

We have no desire for revenge.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for brevity, replace "desire for" with a more concise synonym like "need" or "want", especially in contexts where the intensity of the desire is not the primary focus.

Common error

While "desire for" is widely accepted, excessive use in formal or professional writing can make the text sound repetitive. Vary your language by incorporating synonyms such as "need for", "yearning for", or "ambition for" to maintain a sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "desire for" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the object of a verb or preposition. It expresses a strong feeling of wanting or longing for something specific, be it tangible or intangible. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "desire for" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to express a strong feeling of wanting something. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and broad applicability across diverse contexts. While suitable for various registers, writers should consider synonyms to avoid repetition, particularly in formal writing. The phrase is most commonly found in News & Media and Science contexts, highlighting its versatility in expressing personal feelings, societal trends, or motivations. Alternatives such as "yearning for" or "longing for" can offer nuanced variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

yearning for

Implies a deep, often sentimental, longing.

longing for

Similar to yearning, but can also suggest a sense of loss or deprivation.

craving for

Suggests a strong, often irresistible, need or appetite.

aspiration for

Focuses on a goal or ambition one hopes to achieve.

ambition for

Similar to aspiration, emphasizing a strong drive for success.

need for

Indicates a requirement or necessity, often more practical than emotional.

want for

A more basic and general term for wishing to have something.

hankering for

Implies a casual, whimsical desire for something specific.

itch for

Suggests a restless desire or urge to do something.

appetite for

Often used metaphorically to describe a strong inclination toward something.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "desire for" in a sentence?

Use "desire for" to convey a strong longing or wanting. For example, "Her "desire for knowledge" drove her to excel in her studies", or "The "desire for revenge" consumed him after the betrayal".

What are some alternatives to "desire for" that I can use to avoid repetition?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "yearning for", "longing for", or "craving for" to express similar sentiments.

Is "desire to" interchangeable with "desire for"?

While both express wanting, "desire to" is followed by a verb (e.g., "desire to learn"), whereas "desire for" is followed by a noun (e.g., "desire for knowledge"). They have different grammatical structures and are not interchangeable.

In what contexts is "desire for" most appropriate?

"Desire for" is appropriate in various contexts, from expressing personal feelings (e.g., "desire for happiness") to discussing societal trends (e.g., "desire for change"). It conveys a strong sense of wanting something specific.