desires to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "desires to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing someone's wishes or intentions regarding a specific action or outcome. Example: "She desires to travel the world and experience different cultures."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Since rationality requires coherence, rationality thus requires people's desires to line up with their desirability beliefs.

SEP

Desires to test weapons?

The Guardian - Opinion

Enough prattle; who desires to trade wigs?

The New Yorker

If he desires to install discipline, let him.

The New York Times - Sports

It is the music itself that Brendel desires to disclose.

The New York Times - Arts

"We respect your desires to grow your company.

The Guardian - Business

Companies exploit people's emotional needs as well as their desires to consume.

The Economist

Conspiracy theorists at the ready... Katy Perry has expressed her desires to join the Illuminati.

Independent

Shakhtar's head coach will not, however, stand in his player's way if he desires to move.

Independent

If one desires to develop strength, resistance or strengthening exercises must be employed.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Conversely, if the central bank provides less money than the public desires to hold, spending slows.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "desires to" when you want to express a formal or slightly elevated tone in your writing. It's particularly suitable for expressing intentions, wishes, or aspirations in professional or academic contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "desires to" in casual conversations or informal writing. Opt for more natural alternatives like "wants to" or "hopes to" to maintain a conversational tone and avoid sounding overly stilted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "desires to" functions as a verb phrase indicating a wish, intention, or inclination. It typically introduces an infinitive verb, specifying the action or state that someone wants to achieve. Ludwig's examples confirm its use in expressing motivations and goals.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

29%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "desires to" is a versatile verb phrase used to express intentions and wishes, particularly in formal settings. Ludwig AI highlights its correctness and usability in various contexts. While grammatically sound, it's essential to consider the tone and audience when using "desires to", opting for more casual alternatives like "wants to" in informal conversations. Remember to use it when a touch of formality is appropriate in expressing intent.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wants to

This is a more informal and direct way of expressing a wish or intention.

wishes to

This alternative carries a slightly more formal tone than "wants to" but is still quite interchangeable.

intends to

This suggests a planned course of action and a firm decision.

aims to

This indicates a goal-oriented approach, focusing on the desired outcome.

seeks to

This suggests a more active and purposeful pursuit of a particular outcome.

aspires to

This conveys a strong ambition or hope to achieve something significant.

yearns to

This expresses a deep longing or desire, often with an emotional element.

longs to

Similar to "yearns to", this indicates a strong and often sentimental desire.

endeavors to

This implies a serious and dedicated effort to achieve a specific goal.

is inclined to

This suggests a tendency or predisposition towards a certain action or belief.

FAQs

What does "desires to" mean?

The phrase "desires to" means to want something or wish to do something. It's a more formal way of saying "wants to".

When is it appropriate to use "desires to"?

"Desires to" is best used in formal writing, academic papers, or professional communications where a more sophisticated tone is desired. In casual conversation, phrases like "wants to" or "hopes to" are more suitable.

What are some alternatives to "desires to"?

Some alternatives include "wishes to", "intends to", "aims to", "seeks to", and "aspires to", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "desires to" grammatically correct?

Yes, "desires to" is grammatically correct. It follows the standard verb conjugation rules in English. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is usable in written English.