desperate for

USAGE SUMMARY

"desperate for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you need to express that someone is longing for something. Example sentence: She was desperate for her mother's approval.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"They're desperate for money".

The New Yorker

Desperate for fame.

Independent

Others are desperate for access.

The Economist

They were desperate for adventure.

Independent

He was desperate for clients.

The New Yorker

"People are desperate for merchandise.

The New York Times

"People are desperate for that".

The New Yorker

Dell looked desperate for 3Par.

The New York Times - Tech

They are desperate for results.

The New York Times

Desperate for Dracula?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

So desperate for meaning.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the connotation. "Desperate for" can suggest a lack of control or a state of vulnerability. Choose it carefully to align with your intended tone.

Common error

While "desperate for" is widely understood, it can sound overly dramatic or informal in formal or professional writing. Opt for phrases like "in dire need of" or "urgently requiring" in such scenarios.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "desperate for" functions as an adjective phrase followed by a preposition, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe a state of intense need or longing. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "desperate for" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to express a strong need or desire. Ludwig AI confirms this. While versatile, it is more common in news and media and slightly less so in highly formal contexts. When choosing this phrase, consider the intensity of the need you want to convey and whether a more neutral alternative might be suitable for the tone you desire. Understanding its implications allows writers to effectively utilize it to add depth and emotion to their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

yearning for

Focuses on a deep longing or persistent desire.

longing for

Similar to 'yearning', but can also suggest missing something.

craving

Emphasizes an intense desire, often physical or emotional.

in dire need of

Highlights the urgency and necessity of the need.

badly needing

Emphasizes the intensity of the need.

urgently requiring

Stresses the immediacy of the need.

aching for

Conveys a sense of emotional pain from the lack of something.

extremely wanting

A more direct way of expressing a strong desire.

hungry for

Metaphorically expresses a strong desire, like hunger.

thirsting for

Similar to 'hungry for', emphasizing a deep craving.

FAQs

How can I use "desperate for" in a sentence?

You can use "desperate for" to describe a strong need or desire. For example, "They are "desperate for results"" or "He is "desperate for a striker"".

What are some alternatives to "desperate for"?

Alternatives include phrases like "yearning for", "longing for", or "in dire need of", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "desperate for" too informal for academic writing?

While "desperate for" is generally acceptable, it might be perceived as too informal for highly academic or professional contexts. Consider using a more formal alternative like "in dire need of" or "urgently requiring" in such cases.

What's the difference between "desperate for" and "eager for"?

"Desperate for" implies a more urgent and intense need than "eager for". "Eager" suggests enthusiasm and anticipation, while "desperate" suggests a state of urgency and potential distress.