desire to be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "desire to be" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It can be used to express someone's wish or longing to possess a certain quality or be in a certain state. Here are some examples: 1. My ultimate desire is to be successful in my career and make a positive impact on society. 2. She has always had a strong desire to be a respected leader in her field. 3. He couldn't deny his desire to be loved and accepted by others. 4. Despite facing many challenges, her desire to be a doctor never wavered. 5. The young athlete's desire to be the best drove him to train tirelessly every day.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The desire to be seen at events?

The New York Times - Arts

"We have no desire to be Kentucky".

The New York Times - Sports

A desire to be inside the inexhaustibility".

The New Yorker

Where is the desire to be global?

The Guardian

Activate the desire to be fair.

Harvard Business Review

Lewis had no desire to be led.

The Guardian - Arts

With the desire to be in love?

The New Yorker

For moi-même, my desire to be hated masks a desire to be loved.

The Guardian - Books

She transferred her desire to be a star to theatre.

The New Yorker

Fancy things always suggest a nervous desire to be splendid".

The New York Times

He radiated patience, a desire to be thrilled.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "desire to be" when expressing a general aspiration or longing. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts, making it versatile for various writing styles.

Common error

In highly formal contexts, consider stronger alternatives like "aspiration to become" or "intention to achieve" to convey a more professional tone. While grammatically correct, "desire to be" can sometimes sound less forceful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "desire to be" functions primarily as a noun phrase acting as the subject or object of a sentence, expressing a wish or longing. Ludwig shows many examples where this phrase clearly indicates someone's aspiration or intention.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Wiki

12%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

2%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "desire to be" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to express aspirations, wishes, or longings. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage. It's versatile across various writing styles, although slightly stronger alternatives may be preferable in very formal contexts. This phrase appears most often in news and media but is appropriate for science, informal writing, and business contexts as well. When using "desire to be", ensure it aligns with the intended tone and consider more precise alternatives like "aspire to become" or "intend to achieve" for specific nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have a desire to be

A more verbose rephrasing using the explicit noun 'desire'.

want to become

Focuses more on the action of becoming something, highlighting the transformation aspect.

aspire to be

Implies a higher level of ambition and striving towards a goal.

yearn to be

Conveys a strong emotional longing and deep desire.

long to be

Similar to 'yearn,' but can also imply a sense of wistfulness or sadness.

crave to be

Suggests an intense and compelling need or urge.

wish to be

Expresses a simple desire, often implying it may not be easily attainable.

intend to be

Indicates a plan or intention to achieve a certain state or role.

aim to be

Highlights the purposeful setting of a goal to be reached.

seek to be

Emphasizes the active pursuit of a particular state or identity.

FAQs

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

You can use "desire to be" to express a wish or longing, such as: "Her greatest desire is to be a successful doctor" or "They have a strong desire to be recognized for their achievements".

What are some alternatives to "desire to be"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "want to become", "aspire to be", or "yearn to be".

Is it grammatically correct to say "desire to be"?

Yes, "desire to be" is grammatically correct and commonly used. It follows the standard structure of a noun ("desire") followed by an infinitive verb ("to be").

What is the difference between "desire to be" and "want to be"?

"Desire to be" often implies a deeper, more heartfelt longing than "want to be", which can sometimes suggest a more casual or superficial preference. The first suggests a strong internal motivation, while the second is a more general inclination.