desire to win

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "desire to win" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a strong motivation or ambition to achieve victory in a competition or challenge. Example: "Her desire to win was evident as she trained tirelessly for the upcoming championship."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Unbelievable desire to win".

The New York Times - Sports

"There is an intense desire to win.

The New York Times

No ferocious desire to win.

Stanford University

They know my desire to win.

The New York Times - Sports

"I have the same desire to win.

The Guardian - Sport

Martin Jol's desire to win the fixture was unquestioned.

Independent

Mr. Leo's desire to win, at all costs.

The New York Times - Books

"The desire to win, to be successful is universal".

The New York Times - Sports

I love the naked, American-esque desire to win.

The Guardian - Sport

Domesticity hasn't diminished Bob's desire to win majors.

The New York Times

Dampier's desire to win could be tested soon.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When emphasizing a strong competitive spirit, use "desire to win" to convey a deep-seated motivation for achieving victory. This phrase is particularly effective in sports writing, business contexts, and personal development narratives.

Common error

Avoid portraying the "desire to win" as overriding ethical considerations or sportsmanship. Balance the narrative by also highlighting fair play, teamwork, and personal growth.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "desire to win" functions primarily as a noun phrase expressing a strong motivation or ambition. It describes an internal drive aimed at achieving victory or success, as evidenced by numerous examples in Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "desire to win" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that effectively conveys a strong motivation for achieving victory. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is suitable for various contexts, primarily appearing in News & Media. While versatile, it's crucial to maintain ethical awareness and avoid promoting a win-at-all-costs mentality. Related phrases, such as "urge to triumph", offer nuanced alternatives, and understanding common errors ensures balanced and responsible communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

urge to triumph

Replaces "desire" with "urge" and "win" with "triumph", slightly intensifying the feeling.

ambition to succeed

Substitutes "desire" with "ambition" and "win" with "succeed", focusing on overall achievement.

motivation for victory

Replaces "desire" with "motivation" and shifts from "win" to "victory", emphasizing the driving force.

drive to conquer

Uses "drive" instead of "desire" and "conquer" in place of "win", suggesting a more aggressive approach.

yearning for success

Employs "yearning" for "desire" and "success" for "win", adding a sense of longing.

passion for winning

Swaps "desire" with "passion" and rephrases "to win" as "for winning", highlighting emotional investment.

determination to prevail

Replaces "desire" with "determination" and "win" with "prevail", stressing resolve.

aspiration to be victorious

Substitutes "desire" with "aspiration" and "win" with "be victorious", adding a formal tone.

hunger for first place

Uses "hunger" instead of "desire" and focuses on achieving the top position.

zeal to achieve victory

Employs "zeal" for "desire" and "achieve victory" for "win", conveying enthusiasm and accomplishment.

FAQs

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

You can use "desire to win" to describe someone's strong motivation to achieve victory. For example, "Her "desire to win" fueled her rigorous training regimen."

What are some alternatives to "desire to win"?

Alternatives include "urge to triumph", "ambition to succeed", or "motivation for victory", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

Yes, "desire to win" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in English.

What is the difference between "desire to win" and "need to win"?

"Desire to win" implies a strong wish or ambition, while "need to win" suggests a requirement or necessity. The latter often carries a sense of pressure or desperation.