desire to do

USAGE SUMMARY

"desire to do" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It can be used as a noun or verb phrase to indicate a strong feeling or longing to do something. Example: She had a strong desire to travel the world and experience new cultures. In this sentence, "desire to travel" is used as a noun phrase to show her strong want or wish to travel. Another example using it as a verb phrase: Example: He desires to make a positive impact in the world through his humanitarian work. In this sentence, "desires to make" indicates his intention or ambition to do something meaningful through his work.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

All expressed a desire to do something.

The New York Times

I had no desire to do that.

The New York Times - Sports

There's a desire to do more.

The Guardian

His desire to do well was enormous.

The Guardian - Sport

I have no desire to do that.

The Guardian

They had a desire to do something more.

The New Yorker

"Drive is a desire to do something, to overcome oneself.

The New York Times

Do you have any desire to do something lighter?

The New York Times - Magazine

It had no desire to do state-building there.

The New York Times

Some, in truth, expressed little desire to do so.

The New York Times

I support your desire to do noble work.

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "desire to do" to express a strong inclination or longing for a specific action. This phrase is suitable in both formal and informal contexts to convey a genuine wish or ambition.

Common error

While "desire to do" is acceptable in many contexts, avoid overusing it in highly formal writing. Consider stronger verbs like "aspire", "intend", or "aim" to convey a more assertive tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "desire to do" functions primarily as a noun phrase when referring to the feeling itself or as a verb phrase when expressing the action of desiring. As Ludwig AI suggests, it indicates a strong inclination or longing. Examples from Ludwig show usage in various contexts, from personal aspirations to professional goals.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

26%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

12%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "desire to do" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that effectively conveys a strong inclination or longing for a specific action. Ludwig AI highlights its versatility as both a noun and verb phrase, making it suitable for various writing styles. While the phrase is generally considered neutral, more formal alternatives like "aspire" or "intend" may be preferable in certain contexts. Its prevalence in news, academic, and scientific sources underscores its broad applicability, making it a valuable addition to any writer's vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

want to do

Replaces "desire" with a more common and less formal synonym "want".

wish to do

Substitutes "desire" with "wish", indicating a slightly more passive or hopeful inclination.

intend to do

Focuses on the planned or purposed nature of the action, rather than the feeling behind it.

have a yearning to do

Replaces "desire" with "yearning", which suggests a deep and persistent longing.

feel inclined to do

Indicates a predisposition or tendency towards the action, rather than a strong urge.

aspire to do

Suggests a higher level of ambition or goal-oriented motivation.

be eager to do

Highlights the enthusiasm and impatience associated with the action.

be willing to do

Emphasizes the readiness and consent to perform the action.

have a motivation to do

Replaces "desire" with "motivation", focusing on the driving force behind the action.

feel compelled to do

Indicates a sense of obligation or necessity driving the action.

FAQs

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

"Desire to do" can be used to express a strong feeling or longing for a specific action. For example, "She has a strong "desire to do" volunteer work abroad".

What are some alternatives to "desire to do"?

You can use alternatives like "want to do", "wish to do", or "intend to do" depending on the context.

Is "desire to do" formal or informal?

The phrase "desire to do" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in very formal settings, consider using stronger alternatives like "aspire to do".

What's the difference between "desire to do" and "want to do"?

While both phrases express a wish or intention, "desire to do" implies a stronger, more intense feeling than "want to do". "Desire" suggests a deeper longing or ambition.