desire to join

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "desire to join" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a wish or intention to become part of a group, organization, or activity. Example: "I have a strong desire to join the volunteer program and contribute to the community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And he has no desire to join the college.

The New York Times - Arts

He had no desire to join the deceased.

The New Yorker

He had no desire to join an independent league.

The New York Times - Sports

His centre-right government has consistently backed Turkey's desire to join the European Union.

The Economist

What they have also lost is the desire to join a union.

The Economist

Mr. Niel said he had no desire to join the establishment.

The New York Times

Most normal people have no desire to join a skinhead gang, for example.

The Washington Post

It's one thing to have passion for an idea or the desire to join a community.

Harvard Business Review

That dispute has been an impediment to Turkey's desire to join the European Union this year.

The New York Times

They agreed that the discussions had progressed little beyond the expressed desire to join forces.

The New York Times - Arts

Nor did his father have any desire to join the protests on Saturday, Mrs. Durrah said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "desire to join", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being joined. Be specific about the group, organization, or activity to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

While "desire to join" is generally acceptable, avoid overusing it in overly formal or academic writing. Consider stronger, more precise alternatives like "aim to contribute to" or "intend to participate in" for a more impactful statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "desire to join" functions as an infinitive phrase, typically serving as a noun adjunct or complement to express a wish or intention. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable expression. Examples show it used to express interest in joining organizations, teams, or activities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "desire to join" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to convey an intention or wish to become part of a group, organization, or activity. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is accurate and functional. While it is versatile and can be used in various contexts, ranging from news reports to academic papers, consider more formal alternatives for specific professional or academic situations. When writing, ensure the context clearly specifies what is being joined to avoid any ambiguity. This phrase is very common, with examples readily available in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wish to participate

Replaces "desire" with "wish" and "join" with "participate", softening the expression slightly.

want to become a member

Specifies the target as a membership, making it more explicit and potentially formal.

eager to enlist

Implies a strong enthusiasm and often used in the context of joining a military or similar organization.

inclined to associate with

A more formal and reserved way of expressing a desire to connect or join a group.

feel compelled to enter

Suggests an internal pressure or obligation to join, adding a layer of necessity.

have a longing to unite with

Emphasizes an emotional yearning to join, indicating a deep connection or purpose.

aspire to integrate into

Highlights the ambition and effort involved in becoming part of a group or community.

yearn to be affiliated with

Expresses a strong wish to be connected or associated with a particular entity.

seek to merge with

Implies a desire for complete integration or fusion with a group or organization.

intend to engage in

Focuses on the intention to participate actively, rather than just becoming a member.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "desire to join" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "aspire to integrate into", "intend to engage in", or "seek membership in". The choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

What's a more casual alternative to "desire to join"?

In informal settings, you can use phrases such as "want to join", "wish to participate", or simply "interested in joining".

Is it grammatically correct to say "desire of joining" instead of "desire to join"?

While "desire" can be followed by a gerund (verb+ing), using the infinitive form "desire to join" is generally preferred and more grammatically sound in this context. "Desire of joining" is less common and might sound awkward.

What's the difference between "desire to join" and "urge to join"?

"Desire to join" expresses a wish or intention, while "urge to join" implies a stronger, more compelling feeling. The latter suggests a more immediate and perhaps irresistible impulse.