desire to

USAGE SUMMARY

"desire to" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to express a longing or wish to do something. For example, "John had a great desire to travel the world."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A desire to contribute?

The New Yorker

Unbelievable desire to win".

The New York Times - Sports

He had no desire to. . .

The New York Times

Where's the desire to shock?

The New York Times

I have no desire to.

Independent

A desire to make trouble?

The Economist

Roth's tireless desire to entertain.

The New Yorker

She had no desire to confront reporters.

The New Yorker

There is more desire to experiment".

The New York Times

The desire to be seen at events?

The New York Times - Arts

Jock showed no desire to move.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the level of formality required in your writing. While "desire to" is generally appropriate, alternatives like "want to" or "wish to" might be more suitable in informal contexts.

Common error

While "desire to" is grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal in casual conversations or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "want to" or "feel like" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "desire to" primarily functions as a verbal phrase that introduces an infinitive, expressing a wish, longing, or inclination to perform a specific action. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is a correct and usable phrase. Examples from Ludwig showcase its use in various contexts, such as "a desire to contribute" or "no desire to escape mortality."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Wiki

15%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "desire to" is a versatile phrase used to express a longing or wish to do something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts. It is most frequently found in News & Media and Science, lending a slightly formal tone. While generally appropriate, it's important to consider the context and audience, opting for simpler alternatives in informal settings. Remember to convey a sense of aspiration or deep longing to use this phrase effectively, and consider related phrases to nuance and add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wish to

Similar in expressing a hope or want, but can sometimes imply a slightly weaker inclination than "desire to".

want to

More informal and direct, indicating a basic level of wanting something.

intend to

Focuses on a planned action or goal, implying a stronger commitment than simply desiring something.

aspire to

Implies a higher level of ambition and striving towards a goal, more aspirational than a simple desire.

long to

Suggests a deep yearning or craving, often with a sense of sadness or unfulfillment.

yearn to

Similar to "long to", expressing a profound and emotional longing.

have a craving for

Emphasizes a strong need or urge, often for something specific and potentially unhealthy.

feel inclined to

Indicates a predisposition or tendency towards something, often based on personal preference.

be eager to

Shows enthusiasm and anticipation, highlighting a positive emotional state towards the action.

be determined to

Highlights a strong resolve and commitment, showcasing a firm decision to act.

FAQs

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

Use "desire to" to express a formal wish or strong inclination. For example, "I have a strong desire to learn new languages" or "She expressed a desire to improve her skills".

What are some alternatives to "desire to"?

You can use alternatives like "wish to", "want to", or "intend to" depending on the context and level of formality.

Is there a difference between "desire to" and "want to"?

"Desire to" is generally more formal and implies a stronger sense of longing or aspiration compared to "want to", which is more direct and informal.

When is it appropriate to use "desire to" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "desire to" in formal writing, professional communication, or when you want to convey a sense of aspiration or deep longing. In casual conversation, simpler phrases like "want to" or "wish to" are often preferred.