desire to learn

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the sentence 'desire to learn' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express the wish to gain knowledge about something. For example: The student had a strong desire to learn more about computer programming.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"There is a huge desire to learn".

The New York Times - Magazine

There is a strong desire to learn English.

The New Yorker

And she has a desire to learn more.

The New York Times

Each and every child had an intrinsic desire to learn.

The Guardian

I understand the desire to learn her name.

The Washington Post

a desire to learn and do more about climate change.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

They were steadfast in their desire to learn.

Harvard University

Find courses to meet and challnge your desire to learn.

University of California, Berkeley

Vogel inspired the desire to learn about movies; Cahiers aroused the desire to make movies.

The New Yorker

His desire to learn, and his failure to understand, mirrors our own.

The New Yorker

General Manager John Mozeliak said Rosenthal's work ethic and desire to learn helped him advance.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "desire to learn" with specific areas of interest to showcase targeted learning goals, such as "desire to learn coding" or "desire to learn a new language".

Common error

Avoid using "desire to learn" when describing a passive interest or a forced requirement. This phrase implies a strong, proactive internal motivation, so ensure the context reflects genuine enthusiasm rather than obligation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "desire to learn" functions as a noun phrase acting as the subject or object of a sentence, indicating an aspiration or intrinsic motivation. As Ludwig AI explains, it's about expressing the wish to gain knowledge. It can also function as part of a larger verb phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "desire to learn" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that effectively expresses a strong, intrinsic motivation for acquiring knowledge or skills. As shown by Ludwig, this phrase is versatile, appearing in a wide range of contexts from news and media to academic and scientific publications. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and suitability for expressing a wish to gain knowledge. When using this phrase, ensure that the context aligns with a genuine enthusiasm for learning, and consider related phrases like "eagerness to learn" or "motivation to learn" to add nuanced meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

eagerness to learn

Emphasizes enthusiasm and impatience in wanting to learn.

inclination to learn

Suggests a natural tendency or preference for learning.

motivation to learn

Highlights the driving force or reason behind the desire to learn.

interest in learning

Focuses on curiosity and attention towards the subject of learning.

appetite for knowledge

Uses a metaphor to describe a strong craving for information.

thirst for knowledge

Similar to "appetite for knowledge", this uses a different metaphor to emphasize a strong need for knowledge.

passion for learning

Indicates a strong enthusiasm and dedication towards learning.

zeal for knowledge

Shows intense enthusiasm and dedication to gaining knowledge.

ambition to learn

Implies a strong aspiration or goal related to learning.

drive to learn

Highlights the internal force that pushes one towards learning.

FAQs

How can I effectively express my "desire to learn" in a cover letter?

In a cover letter, you can showcase your "desire to learn" by providing specific examples of how you've proactively sought out new knowledge or skills in the past. You can also mention your eagerness to embrace new challenges and contribute to the company's growth.

What are some alternative ways to phrase "desire to learn" in an academic context?

In academic writing, consider using alternatives like "eagerness to learn", "motivation to learn", or "passion for learning" to convey a similar meaning with slightly different nuances.

Is it correct to say "desire of learning" instead of "desire to learn"?

While "desire of learning" is grammatically understandable, "desire to learn" is the more common and natural phrasing. "Desire to learn" uses the infinitive form of the verb, which is standard after the noun "desire".

How does "desire to learn" differ from "willingness to learn"?

"Desire to learn" implies a stronger, more intrinsic motivation, suggesting a genuine enthusiasm and proactive approach. "Willingness to learn", on the other hand, suggests an openness and acceptance to learn when required, but may not necessarily convey the same level of enthusiasm.