desire to live

USAGE SUMMARY

"desire to live" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to describe a strong motivation or drive to continue living and experiencing life. Example: Despite facing numerous challenges, her desire to live and create a better future for herself and her family never wavered.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Desire to live is burning.

The Guardian

"She has a desire to live.

The New York Times

They don't have the desire to live there.

The New York Times

A principled desire to live more lightly on the planet?

The New York Times

"Desire to live in urban settings," one bullet point read.

The New York Times

Brokers say buyers' desire to live here often outweighs fear.

The New York Times

He was soon homebound, and lost all desire to live.

The New Yorker

"I have no desire to live in Hollywood.

The Guardian - Film

I've lost all desire to live in my own country.

The Guardian

"She had no more desire to live," he said.

The New York Times

The shock rekindles her childhood desire to live in Africa.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "desire to live" to convey a general sense of wanting to continue living. For more specific contexts, consider alternatives like "will to survive" or "passion for life".

Common error

While "desire to live" is widely understood, avoid using it excessively in highly formal or scientific writing where more precise terminology might be appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "desire to live" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It encapsulates the general will or yearning to continue living. Ludwig's examples illustrate its usage in various contexts, ranging from personal struggles to societal observations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

28%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

7%

HuffPost

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "desire to live" is a common and readily understood expression denoting the basic human wish to continue living. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, predominantly in News & Media and Scientific domains. While alternatives like "will to survive" or "passion for life" offer nuanced meanings, "desire to live" serves as a fundamental expression of motivation and yearning for life. When writing, be mindful of the specific context and adjust your word choice accordingly to convey the intended sentiment with precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

motivation to live

Emphasizes the driving force or reason behind the wish to continue living.

urge to live

Highlights an instinctive and compelling feeling to remain alive.

intention to live

Focuses on the conscious decision and commitment to remain alive.

yearning for life

Changes the noun to a verb form expressing a deep longing.

inclination to live

Suggests a natural tendency or preference towards continuing life.

drive to stay alive

Specifically targets the effort and determination required to continue living, particularly in difficult circumstances.

will to survive

Focuses specifically on survival, implying a strong determination to overcome life-threatening situations.

determination to survive

Highlights the firm resolve to overcome challenges and continue living.

zest for living

Similar to passion, highlighting the enjoyment and enthusiasm in daily life.

passion for life

Shifts the focus to the enthusiasm and zest with which someone approaches living.

FAQs

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

You can use "desire to live" to describe someone's strong motivation to continue living despite challenges, such as, "Despite his illness, his "desire to live" remained strong".

What's a more formal alternative to "desire to live"?

In more formal contexts, consider using "will to survive" or "determination to live" to convey a similar meaning with a more elevated tone.

Is "desire to live" the same as "passion for life"?

While both phrases relate to positive feelings about living, "desire to live" generally refers to the basic wish to continue existing, whereas "passion for life" implies a more active enjoyment and engagement with life.

When might someone lose their "desire to live"?

Loss of "desire to live" can occur during periods of intense suffering, depression, or terminal illness. This often involves a significant decline in motivation and hope.