desired that he

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "desired that he" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in formal contexts to express a wish or request regarding someone's actions or state. Example: "The committee desired that he submit his report by the end of the week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Nicholas is said to have desired that he might have been a simple English country gentleman.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Mary had been Allen's closest companion when they were small children, and he says that his parents' desire that he simply move on with his own life backfired: he had remained Mary's twin, "finding ways to make my life parallel to hers".

The New York Times - Books

This is no more odd than claiming that my opponent in a game would be wise to adopt a particular strategy, while desiring that he not do so.

SEP

While I cannot at this time find it within me to forgive his crime, I truly desire that he will find the grace of God and the forgiveness of our community".

Huffington Post

There is one thing her son desires that money cannot buy: he would like to drop the Lil' from his name and just go by Bow Wow.

The New York Times - Magazine

"Apparently they had been looking to expand and decided that we were the only bank they could find that had the same direction and desires that they have," he told The Times.

Los Angeles Times

It is He, who steers her: to be sure, he does so also through men of His choosing, for He desired that it be so.

The New York Times

"He desired that the incidents would be blamed on the clientele, and if that was the case maybe they would curtail the parties, and the venues would be more manageable," the official said.

The New York Times

Although he supported the establishment of a government Junta, as others created in Spain during the contemporary Peninsular War, he desired that criollos had an important role in it (the mutiny of Álzaga was promoted by peninsulars).

Wikipedia

A spokesman said that N.C.A.A. members could propose a change if they desired, but that he was not aware of any proposals to that end.

The New York Times - Sports

He made puppet replicas of his parents for their love, but they were merely puppets, and therefore, unable to show him the love he desired, and that's when he lost most emotions towards humanity.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "desired that he" in formal contexts to express a wish or request politely and indirectly, often implying a sense of deference or respect.

Common error

Avoid using "desired that he" in informal or casual settings, as it can sound stilted or unnatural. Opt for simpler phrases like "wanted him to" or "hoped he would" in such contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "desired that he" functions as a verb phrase introducing a subordinate clause expressing a wish, hope, or request. It sets up an indirect expression of intent or preference, often in a formal or polite manner. Ludwig AI shows examples from various sources, confirming its use in conveying desires related to someone else's actions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "desired that he" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to convey a wish, hope, or request about someone's actions, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. It often appears in neutral to formal contexts, such as news reports, scientific articles, and encyclopedic entries. While its formality makes it less suited for casual conversation, it serves well in professional and official settings. Alternatives like "wished that he would" or "requested that he" can offer similar meanings with slight variations in tone. When using the phrase, remember to adjust your tone according to the context to avoid sounding overly formal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wished that he would

Replaces "desired" with "wished", focusing on a hope or longing for a particular outcome.

hoped that he would

Similar to "wished", but implies a slightly stronger expectation or anticipation.

requested that he

Replaces "desired" with a more direct and formal term, indicating a specific request.

wanted him to

Simplifies the structure, using "wanted" to express the desire more directly.

expected him to

Shifts the focus to expectation rather than desire, implying a belief that something should happen.

intended that he should

Emphasizes the intention or plan behind the desire, adding a layer of purpose.

preferred that he

Indicates a preference for a certain action or state on his part.

longed for him to

Emphasizes a deep yearning or strong wish.

yearned for him to

Similar to "longed for", conveying a profound sense of longing.

had a desire for him to

Adds a more explicit framing of having a desire.

FAQs

How can I use "desired that he" in a sentence?

Use "desired that he" to express a formal wish or request regarding someone's actions. For example, "The committee "desired that he" submit his report promptly."

What is an alternative to using "desired that he"?

Alternatives include "wished that he would", "hoped that he would", or "requested that he", depending on the level of formality and specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "desired that he"?

It's appropriate in formal or official contexts where a polite and somewhat indirect expression of a wish or request is suitable. It is common in formal writing, historical accounts, or when reporting someone else's wishes.

What does "desired that he" imply?

The phrase "desired that he" implies a wish or hope for a specific action or state involving another person. It also suggests a level of formality and potentially some deference to the person being discussed.