desires of someone

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "desires of someone" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express what someone wants or wishes for, often in a context discussing emotions or motivations. Example: "Understanding the desires of someone can help in building a stronger relationship."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

"If he carried out the desires of someone else, then who is it?" How Mr. Nuzzi, a longtime investigative reporter for publications like Panorama and Il Giornale, both owned by the family of former Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, came to be the go-to guy for Vatican documents is a mystery Mr. Nuzzi is loath to reveal.

The New York Times

We're like the new wife in Daphne du Maurier's Rebecca, Deary suggests, attempting to survive in a house in which every move we make has been prescribed by the habits and desires of someone now gone: "We live in rooms haunted by ourselves".

The Guardian

"The desires of someone staying in and ordering room service may vary from a person who is looking for the complete dining experience," said hotel vice president Jennifer Rutkowski.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

They are a direct response to the economic situation and the desire of someone with more to help someone with less.

The New York Times

But it's really you have to judge the desire of someone to be successful, the hunger.

Forbes

If your childhood was full of chaos, you might desire the stability of someone in a later stage in life".

Vice

I am convinced that illnesses among women (real or imagined) are often caused by the body reaching its capacity for care giving, or the mind revolting from having its own thoughts and desires dismissed in favor of someone else's.

Huffington Post

And although Trump supporters turned to the reality show candidate for many reasons economic anxiety, a desire for someone new, a hatred of the Clinton camp what we all must realize is that his voters saw his true racist, sexist, and anti-immigrant colors and ignored them anyway.

Huffington Post

But Bush had the desire that is required of someone trying to become Pres.-and Dukakis apparently didn't.

The New Yorker

On careful reflection, we might think that the fulfilment of someone's desire constitutes an addition to that person's welfare only if that desire has one of a certain set of contents.

SEP

Who hasn't struggled occasionally to come up with a desired word or the name of someone near and dear?

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing personal motivations or influences, use "desires of someone" to convey the underlying drivers behind their actions or decisions. This emphasizes the internal, often emotional, aspect of their goals.

Common error

Avoid using "desires of someone" when referring solely to basic physical needs. Opt for terms like "needs" or "requirements" to maintain appropriate context and avoid misinterpreting intentions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "desires of someone" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies and encapsulates the wishes, wants, or aspirations held by an individual. Ludwig examples show its use in various contexts, from personal motivations to external influences.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "desires of someone" is grammatically correct and serves as a noun phrase, commonly used to express an individual's wishes, wants, or aspirations. Ludwig's analysis confirms its acceptability and versatility across various contexts, primarily in News & Media and Science. While not exceedingly frequent, it offers a nuanced way to convey motivations and intentions. For those seeking alternatives, options like "aspirations of someone" or "intentions of someone" may offer a more formal tone, while "wishes of someone" provides a more general alternative.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

someone's wishes

Replaces "desires" with "wishes", offering a more general term for what someone wants.

aspirations of someone

Substitutes "desires" with "aspirations", emphasizing ambition and long-term goals.

someone's ambitions

Similar to aspirations, but focuses more on career-oriented or life-achieving goals.

yearnings of someone

Replaces "desires" with "yearnings", highlighting a deeper, more emotional longing.

intentions of someone

Focuses on the planned actions that stem from someone's desires.

someone's longings

Similar to yearnings, but implies a sense of melancholy or unfulfillment.

the will of someone

Emphasizes determination and resolve in pursuing what one wants.

someone's cravings

Highlights intense, often physical, desires.

inclinations of someone

Refers to a natural tendency or preference, a softer form of desire.

preferences of someone

Highlights choices and tastes rather than strong wants or needs.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "desires of someone" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "aspirations of someone" or "intentions of someone", depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is there a subtle difference between "desires of someone" and "wishes of someone"?

Yes, while similar, "desires" often implies a stronger, more intense feeling compared to "wishes of someone", which can be more general or casual.

In what context is it most appropriate to use the phrase "desires of someone"?

The phrase is most appropriate when discussing deeply felt wants, motivations, or longings that significantly influence a person's actions or decisions. It adds emotional depth compared to simpler terms like "needs".

What are some common synonyms for "desires of someone" that I can use to vary my writing?

Some synonyms include "yearnings of someone", "longings of someone", or even "cravings of someone", depending on the intensity and nature of the desire you wish to express.