desire to work

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "desire to work" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing someone's motivation or willingness to engage in work or a specific job. Example: "Her desire to work in the nonprofit sector stems from her passion for helping others."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

'It's just a desire to work.

The Guardian - Film

There's a desire to work together.

The Guardian - Music

The only prerequisite was a desire to work hard.

The Washington Post

I have no desire to work outside of India.

The New York Times

And it doesn't stimulate people's desire to work.

The Washington Post

Mendes indicated a desire to work on something fresh.

The Guardian

The desire to work towards a healthier society.

Cornell University

Those who knew him spoke of his desire to work hard and play by the rules.

The New York Times

"She's driven by her own artistic appetite and desire to work with great people.

Independent

He discussed a desire to work on his acting career, growing beyond small parts playing himself.

The New York Times - Sports

"I think the idea was already in his head, perhaps, the desire to work together.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing company values or job requirements, use "desire to work" to describe a candidate's internal drive to perform well and contribute positively to the team.

Common error

Avoid using "desire to work" excessively in highly formal or academic writing, as it can sometimes sound less precise than alternatives like "commitment to professional development" or "aspiration to contribute to the field".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "desire to work" functions primarily as a noun phrase acting as the subject or object of a sentence or clause. It expresses a general inclination, motivation, or eagerness towards engaging in work. As seen in Ludwig's examples, it describes an internal drive or aspiration.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Academia

22%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

8%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "desire to work" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to convey motivation or eagerness to engage in labor or employment. Ludwig highlights its prevalence across various contexts, particularly in news, academia, and business. While versatile, it is crucial to consider the specific nuance required, with alternatives like "willingness to work" or "aspiration to work" offering subtle differences. When writing, be mindful of the context to ensure the most appropriate and impactful phrasing. As a final point, use "desire to work" when you wish to stress that the will to work is voluntary rather than imposed by external factors.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

aspiration to work

Emphasizes a strong ambition or long-term goal related to working.

motivation to work

Focuses on the internal drive and reasons behind wanting to work.

willingness to work

Highlights the readiness and acceptance of engaging in work.

eagerness to work

Indicates an enthusiastic and keen attitude toward working.

ambition to work

Stresses the drive and determination to achieve success through work.

inclination to work

Suggests a natural tendency or preference for working.

interest in working

Highlights a curiosity and attention focused on work.

determination to work

Focuses on resolve and persistence in pursuing work.

commitment to work

Emphasizes dedication and loyalty towards working.

readiness to work

Highlights the immediate availability and preparedness for work.

FAQs

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

In a cover letter, you can convey your "desire to work" by highlighting specific skills and experiences that align with the job requirements, and by expressing your enthusiasm for the company's mission. For example, you might state that you have a strong "interest in working" with a company that values innovation.

What are some professional synonyms for "desire to work"?

Professional synonyms for "desire to work" include "willingness to work", "commitment to work", "motivation to work", and "aspiration to work". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "desire to work" or "desire for work"?

"Desire to work" generally refers to a general motivation or interest in engaging in work activities. "Desire for work" often implies a need or longing for employment, especially when one is unemployed. Both are correct, but they have slightly different meanings.

How does "desire to work" differ from "need to work"?

"Desire to work" implies a voluntary motivation and enthusiasm for engaging in work, often driven by personal goals or interests. "Need to work", on the other hand, suggests a necessity or requirement for employment, often due to financial or economic reasons. The two phrases highlight different underlying factors driving a person's engagement with work.