desirous of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "desirous of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a strong wish or longing for something. Example: "She was desirous of a peaceful life away from the chaos of the city."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This study demonstrated that non-Caucasian patients were more desirous of chemotherapy and they tended to desire more interventions overall according to the composite score analysis.

BMC Cancer

One may be desirous of that form, but in that case what one truly desires is that form's ultimate intelligible source in Intellect.

SEP

They didn't think about it because they were so desirous of having those things".

The New Yorker

Mr. Koestenbaum is desirous of strong reactions; he just got (some of) mine.

The New York Times - Books

Women are more risk-averse, more collegial, more desirous of relationships, she says.

The New York Times - Books

It was heartening to read about these young Afghan women so desirous of continuing their educations.

The New York Times

Moreover, it is probably at its best when it is least desirous of being realistic.

The Guardian

In short, students are desirous of skills you can't learn from a textbook.

The Guardian - Opinion

In the old days, a deposed monarch desirous of power would raise an army.

The New York Times

"The British clearly have that as a goal, and they are very desirous of that," he said.

The New York Times

By the time he gets home, he's almost forgotten Caro, and is even more desirous of Grace.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "desirous of" to add a touch of formality and sophistication to your writing when expressing a strong wish or longing. For a more informal tone, consider alternatives like "eager for" or "wanting".

Common error

Avoid using "desirous of" in overly casual or conversational settings, as it can sound stilted or unnatural. Reserve it for situations where a more elevated tone is appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "desirous of" functions primarily as an adjective phrase modifying a noun or pronoun, indicating a state of wanting or longing. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts. For example, "students are desirous of skills".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

23%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

6%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "desirous of" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed adjective phrase used to express a strong wish or longing. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's generally correct. While versatile, it's more appropriate for formal and professional contexts. When writing, avoid overusing "desirous of" in casual settings; opt for synonyms like "eager for" or "wanting" instead. Its prevalence in news sources and scientific articles underscores its acceptance in a wide array of writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

eager for

This alternative replaces the adjective "desirous" with "eager", conveying a similar sense of enthusiasm and anticipation.

longing for

This alternative uses the verb "longing", emphasizing a deep sense of yearning or missing something.

wishing for

This alternative employs the verb "wishing", indicating a desire or hope for something to happen.

yearning for

This alternative suggests a strong and often emotional desire for something.

craving for

This alternative implies a powerful and intense desire, often for something specific.

hankering for

This alternative conveys a casual yet strong desire, often used for food or comfort.

keen on

This alternative suggests a strong interest or enthusiasm.

wanting

This is a more concise and direct way of expressing the desire for something.

in need of

This alternative emphasizes the necessity or requirement of something.

aspiring to

This alternative implies a desire to achieve or attain something, often with effort and ambition.

FAQs

How can I use "desirous of" in a sentence?

You can use "desirous of" to express a strong wish or longing for something. For example, "She was desirous of a peaceful life." You can replace "desirous of" with synonyms like "eager for" or "longing for".

What are some alternatives to "desirous of"?

Alternatives to "desirous of" include "eager for", "wanting", "wishing for", or "longing for". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "desirous of" formal or informal?

"Desirous of" is generally considered a more formal expression. In informal contexts, it's often better to use simpler alternatives such as "wanting" or "eager for".

What is the difference between "desirous of" and "desiring"?

"Desirous of" is an adjective phrase, while "desiring" is a verb. "Desirous of" describes someone who wants something, while "desiring" expresses the act of wanting something. For example, "She is desirous of success" versus "She is desiring success."