desire for progress

USAGE SUMMARY

'desire for progress' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to someone's ambition to move forward and make improvements, either as an individual or collectively as a society. For example: The city's new mayor has a strong desire for progress and is aiming to introduce a number of initiatives to improve the local infrastructure.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

Our desire for progress, to make it to Schoharie Crossing, was appropriate.

The New York Times - Magazine

Undine Spragg is an outsider, and her name itself encompasses the warring forces at work in her desire for progress.

The New Yorker

Luckily, a great many Bangladeshis understand that the government is sincere in its desire for progress and want it to succeed.

The New York Times

Rather, he seems keenly aware that his electoral success is linked less to a desire for progress than to a fear of backsliding.

The New York Times

If they want to become academies, these schools that have an eye for social justice and a desire for progress, cannot do so.

The Guardian - Opinion

The result of this impasse is a growing impatience in Flanders; a desire for progress and increased pressure on Wallonia to reorganise Belgium into a federalist state.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

This was a time when ordinary Spaniards, according to the film's introductory titles, were torn between the desire for social progress and the demands of tradition.

The New York Times

The current student body, the commentary insisted, "seems to lack either the desire for radical progress or a suitable method for fighting to make it happen".

The New York Times

Yet, there is a sense these days that the desire for actual progress is outstripping the Kremlin's ability to deliver.

The New York Times

If a general sense of instability, insecurity and drift helped bring Modi to power, the desire for rapid progress, order and direction is likely to now prove an immense challenge for the new prime minister.

The Guardian

Pontoppidan's novels and short stories informed with a desire for social progress but despairing, later in his life, of its realization present an unusually comprehensive picture of his country and his epoch.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "desire for progress" to convey a proactive and positive attitude toward improvement, whether in a personal, societal, or professional context. It suggests a forward-thinking mindset and a commitment to making things better.

Common error

Avoid using "desire for progress" in overly redundant phrases like "strong desire for continuous progress", as it can make your writing sound repetitive. Opt for concise alternatives or rephrase for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "desire for progress" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object in a sentence. It encapsulates a feeling or ambition related to advancement and betterment. This aligns with Ludwig's examples, which showcase the phrase in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

17%

Science

14%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "desire for progress" is a versatile and frequently used expression that conveys a positive inclination toward improvement and development. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in written English. It functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence, and expresses aspiration and ambition. While adaptable across various contexts, its usage tends toward neutral to professional registers, with frequent appearances in news, encyclopedias and scientific sources. To use it effectively, focus on conveying a proactive attitude and avoid redundant phrasing. Considering its semantic closeness, you might find alternative phrases such as "yearning for advancement" or "ambition for development" to be more adequate in certain contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

yearning for advancement

Emphasizes a deep longing for forward movement and improvement.

ambition for development

Highlights the aspirational aspect of wanting growth and advancement.

drive for betterment

Focuses on the internal motivation to improve things.

aspiration for improvement

Stresses the hope and ambition associated with making things better.

motivation for growth

Underscores the reasons behind wanting to expand and evolve.

zeal for innovation

Highlights enthusiasm for new ideas and methods that lead to advancement.

hunger for positive change

Emphasizes a strong need for alterations that lead to better outcomes.

urge for forward motion

Focuses on the impulse to keep moving ahead and making headway.

inclination for advancement

Highlights the natural tendency towards seeking progress.

quest for evolution

Emphasizes a journey or pursuit of gradual development and change.

FAQs

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

You can use "desire for progress" to describe a person's or group's ambition to improve. For example, "The community's "desire for progress" led to the development of new initiatives".

What are some synonyms for "desire for progress"?

Alternatives to "desire for progress" include "yearning for advancement", "ambition for development", or "drive for betterment", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "desire for progress" in formal writing?

Yes, "desire for progress" is suitable for formal writing. It's a clear and professional way to express a commitment to improvement and forward movement.

What's the difference between "desire for progress" and "need for progress"?

"Desire for progress" implies a proactive and aspirational approach, while "need for progress" suggests a more urgent or critical requirement for improvement. The former reflects ambition, while the latter reflects necessity.