desiring to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "desiring to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a wish or intention to do something. Example: "Desiring to improve my skills, I enrolled in a professional development course."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Those desiring to compete with anesthesiologists may wish to apply for admission to a medical school.

The New York Times - Science

Ted Hughes fares no better, desiring to be mysterious "without letting it affect his technique".

The Guardian - Books

The motives of those desiring to make such exchanges are various.

Encyclopedia Britannica

For creatures desiring to eat the conch, that is a formidable fortress to breach.

The New York Times - Science

"It was a safe place to meet other people who were educated and desiring to advance their thoughts.

The New York Times

So even more gay men hit the gym, desiring to present themselves as healthy and "disease free".

The Guardian - Opinion

Those desiring to take the pledge are asked to hit a button reading "Commit and make a reservation".

The New York Times

Ms. Gumbs soon decided to live with her mother, desiring to "be like everybody else," she said.

The New York Times

She was a woman of elemental energy and intellectual curiosity, desiring to create as well as to control.

Encyclopedia Britannica

I cannot recall desiring to warn Michael.

SEP

It's available now in bulk for those desiring to fleece the natives.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "desiring to" when you want to convey a sense of formality or intention, especially in written communication or when addressing a professional audience. While grammatically correct, it can sometimes sound stilted in casual conversation, where "wanting to" may be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "desiring to" too frequently in informal speech or writing. Overuse can make your language sound unnatural or pretentious. Opt for more common alternatives like "wanting to" or "wishing to" in everyday conversations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "desiring to" functions as an infinitive phrase expressing purpose or intention. It is often used to introduce a specific goal or aim, similar to other purpose clauses. Ludwig examples show its use in various contexts, confirming its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

29%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "desiring to" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression for indicating purpose or intention, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. While versatile, it carries a formal tone, making it more suitable for written communication, academic contexts, and professional settings. For everyday conversation, less formal alternatives like "wanting to" may be preferred. By understanding its nuances and appropriate contexts, you can effectively use "desiring to" to enhance clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wanting to

This is a more common and less formal alternative, suitable for everyday conversation.

wishing to

Similar in meaning to "desiring to" but carries a slightly more formal or wistful tone.

aiming to

Implies a specific goal or target, suggesting a planned effort.

intending to

Focuses on the planned action and firm decision to do something.

seeking to

Suggests an active search or pursuit of a particular outcome or objective.

hoping to

Indicates a wishful expectation for a certain result.

planning to

Emphasizes the preparatory steps taken towards a future action.

yearning to

Conveys a strong emotional longing or craving.

longing to

Similar to "yearning to", expressing a deep and persistent desire.

aspiring to

Implies having a high ambition or goal to achieve.

FAQs

How to use "desiring to" in a sentence?

Use "desiring to" to express a wish or intention to do something. For example, "Individuals "desiring to improve" their skills often seek further education".

What can I say instead of "desiring to"?

You can use alternatives like "wanting to", "wishing to", or "aiming to" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "desiring to" or "wanting to"?

Both "desiring to" and "wanting to" are grammatically correct, but "desiring to" is more formal. Use "wanting to" in informal contexts and "desiring to" when a more formal tone is appropriate.

What's the difference between "desiring to" and "wishing to"?

Both phrases express a desire, but "desiring to" implies a stronger intention or purpose, while "wishing to" suggests a more wistful or hopeful feeling.