desired to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'desired to' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when expressing a desire or longing for something. Example: She desired to go on a safari to see the wild animals in their natural habitat.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Donations, if desired, to Doctors without Borders.

The New York Times

I strongly desired to go to graduate school.

The Guardian - Opinion

"I have always desired to die on Sunday".

The New York Times

It was almost as if the embroidered figure desired to rush into the flames.

The New York Times

I began by choosing the roles I desired to play that might suit my temperament.

The New York Times

"I never desired to be adopted by Madame Bettencourt," he wrote.

The New York Times

I was deceiving him, and I am certain that he desired to be deceived.

The New Yorker

He knew that what he most desired to do he could only do alone.

The New York Times - Arts

"It was Louise who kept pushing us on as she desired to cover up her difference".

The Guardian

Memorial contributions, if desired, to Mt. Sinai Hospital (NYC) attn: Dr. Alvin Teirstein.

The New York Times

She even desired to come to you at once but I dissuaded her.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "desired to" when conveying a sense of intention or purpose, which can add a layer of formality to your writing. The meaning of the phrase can be made stronger by choosing precise synonyms that better reflect the nuance you want to convey.

Common error

Avoid using "desired to" interchangeably with phrases like 'required to' or 'needed to'. "Desired to" expresses a wish or longing, whereas 'required to' indicates an obligation or necessity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "desired to" functions as a verb phrase expressing a wish, longing, or intention. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct. It is typically followed by a verb in its base form (infinitive).

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

41%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "desired to" is a grammatically sound and versatile phrase used to express wishes, intentions, or longings. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and acceptable expression. While appropriate in various contexts, it is more commonly found in news, media, and scientific writing. When crafting your sentences, consider the subtle differences between "desired to" and its alternatives, such as "wished to" or "intended to", to best convey your intended meaning. While generally considered formal, using the phrase in sentences requires the subject of the sentence to be capable of having desires.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wished to

Direct synonym, replacing 'desired' with 'wished' for a slightly softer tone.

wanted to

Common synonym, replacing 'desired' with 'wanted' for a more casual tone.

intended to

Focuses on intention rather than desire, implying a plan.

aimed to

Similar to 'intended to', but suggests a specific goal.

sought to

More formal synonym, implying a deliberate effort to achieve something.

longed to

Emphasizes a strong, emotional desire.

yearned to

Similar to 'longed to', but with a sense of deep yearning.

aspired to

Suggests a high level of ambition or goal.

had a desire to

Rephrases using a noun form of 'desire'.

felt inclined to

Indicates a tendency or willingness, rather than a strong desire.

FAQs

How can I use "desired to" in a sentence?

You can use "desired to" to express a wish, longing, or intention. For example, "She "desired to" travel the world."

What are some alternatives to "desired to"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "wished to", "wanted to", or "intended to".

Is it more formal to say "desired to" than "wanted to"?

Yes, "desired to" is generally considered more formal than "wanted to". "Desired to" suggests a deeper or more considered wish, while "wanted to" is more common and casual.

Which is correct: "desired to go" or "desired going"?

"Desired to go" is the correct form. The verb "desire" is typically followed by an infinitive (to + base form of the verb). "Desired going" is grammatically incorrect in most contexts.