desired to be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "desired to be" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express a wish or goal that someone has. For example, "The boy desired to be a famous actor one day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"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

Above all he desired to be the Virgil that France had never known.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Don Quixote is the only book that Dr Johnson desired to be even longer than it already was.

The Guardian - Books

If Caramoor's music asked to be heard on Saturday, the assembled captains of industry desired to be seen.

The New York Times - Arts

The justices reminded Mary Lacey, Jr., that if she desired to be saved by Christ she would confess.

The New Yorker

The promising composite photoanode is desired to be employed for water splitting in the PEC cells.

Electrochimica Acta

Additionally, the transmission waveform is desired to be of constant modulus for power efficiency.

Signal Processing

This leap in performance is desired to be ported to computerized numerical controls.

Procedia CIRP

"I realized that after I graduated from high school, I always had a drive in me that desired to be the best that I could be," she said.

The New York Times

This would have added to his (unquestionably genuine) patriotic ardour, since he had always desired to be recognised officially as French.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "desired to be" when expressing a personal aspiration or ambition. For formal writing, consider alternatives like "intended to be" or "sought to be" for a more professional tone.

Common error

While grammatically correct, repeatedly using "desired to be" in formal documents can sound less professional. Vary your language by using alternatives like "intended to be", "designed to be", or "meant to be" for a more polished effect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "desired to be" functions as a verb phrase indicating someone's aspiration, wish, or intention. It is used to describe a state or condition that a person or thing aims to achieve. As Ludwig AI explains, it expresses a goal that someone has.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

54%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "desired to be" is a grammatically correct and commonly used verb phrase that expresses a wish, aspiration, or intention. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for expressing goals. While versatile, consider using more formal alternatives like "intended to be" in professional contexts. Its usage is prevalent in scientific literature and news media, reflecting its wide applicability. Common sources include The New York Times, The Guardian and Huffington Post. Remember to use it when you want to convey a sense of ambition, and be mindful of the specific context to choose the most appropriate wording.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

aspired to be

Replaces "desired" with "aspired", implying a higher level of ambition.

wished to be

Substitutes "desired" with "wished", suggesting a hopeful but possibly less certain aspiration.

intended to be

Emphasizes intention rather than desire, suggesting a planned outcome.

sought to be

Replaces "desired" with "sought", indicating a deliberate effort to achieve a state.

longed to be

Conveys a strong emotional yearning, replacing "desired" with "longed".

hoped to be

Indicates a less certain expectation, using "hoped" instead of "desired".

yearned to be

Similar to "longed to be", emphasizing a deep emotional craving.

aimed to be

Focuses on the goal-oriented aspect, suggesting a specific target.

meant to be

Implies a sense of destiny or predetermination, shifting the focus from personal desire.

destined to be

Similar to "meant to be", suggesting an inevitable future.

FAQs

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

Use "desired to be" to express someone's wish or ambition. For example, "She desired to be a doctor since she was a child".

What's a more formal alternative to "desired to be"?

For a more formal tone, consider using "intended to be" or "sought to be".

Is "desired to be" the same as "wanted to be"?

While similar, "desired to be" suggests a deeper, more heartfelt aspiration than simply "wanted to be".

When is it appropriate to use "desired to be"?

It's appropriate when describing someone's ambition, strong wish, or long-term goal. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though more formal alternatives exist.