desperate to succeed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "desperate to succeed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a strong desire or urgency to achieve success in a particular endeavor or goal. Example: "After years of hard work and dedication, she was desperate to succeed in her final exams."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

General

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

He is desperate to succeed.

The Guardian - Sport

"He's desperate to succeed with Wales.

The Guardian - Sport

He will be desperate to succeed today, precisely because so many people expect him to fail.

The Guardian - Sport

We were victims in a profession where we were all so desperate to succeed as footballers.

The Guardian - Sport

He was desperate to succeed and took it badly when he didn't.

The Guardian - Sport

Desperate to succeed as a lawyer and politician in Franklin Roosevelt's New Deal Washington, Douglas was also something of a fantasist.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Few teams, few nations, have such a desperate desire to succeed on the football field.' Bertoni, who played for Napoli alongside Maradona in the Eighties, agrees.

The Guardian - Sport

Only twice did Cole start more than half the league matches in seven seasons at Stamford Bridge, while a serious knee injury sustained during an FA Cup tie at Southend in January 2009 has undermined a desperate desire to succeed.

BBC

They are desperate for it to succeed.

The Guardian

He is desperate for it to succeed and time is not on his side.

The Economist

One man who is desperate for Najib to succeed is Mahathir.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "desperate to succeed" when you want to emphasize a strong sense of urgency or need for achieving success, particularly when facing significant challenges or high stakes.

Common error

Avoid using "desperate to succeed" too frequently, as it can make the writing sound melodramatic or overemphasize the importance of success. Use it sparingly to maintain its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "desperate to succeed" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a subject, expressing a state of intense desire or need for achieving success. As Ludwig AI highlights, the phrase is commonly used and grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Sport

33%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Huffington Post

6%

TechCrunch

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "desperate to succeed" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that effectively conveys a strong and urgent desire for success. As evidenced by Ludwig AI, it appears across various contexts, but is most frequent in news and sports reporting. While its usage is appropriate in both formal and informal settings, caution should be exercised to avoid overuse. Alternatives like "eager for success" or "determined to triumph" can offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

eager for success

Expresses enthusiasm and anticipation for a positive outcome, differing from "desperate to succeed" by lacking the sense of urgency.

strongly motivated to achieve

Implies a high degree of inner drive and purpose but doesn't carry the connotation of extreme need like "desperate to succeed".

determined to triumph

Emphasizes resolve and overcoming challenges, instead of a pressing need for success as in "desperate to succeed".

driven to make it

This expression implies a strong internal force pushing someone towards achievement, minimizing the urgency.

resolute in one's ambition

Conveys firmness and determination in pursuing a goal, lacking the sense of urgency present in "desperate to succeed".

yearning to prevail

Suggests a deep longing and emotional investment in achieving victory, contrasting with the more urgent tone of "desperate to succeed".

keen to flourish

Suggests a strong interest in thriving and prospering, omitting the sense of urgency implied by "desperate to succeed".

anxious for a breakthrough

Highlights the anticipation of a significant positive development, slightly different from the overall concept of general success.

hungry for victory

Highlights an intense desire for winning, focusing more on the competitive aspect than the pressing need for success.

hell-bent on winning

This idiom shows determination and stubbornness, but the negative connotation is stronger than the expression "desperate to succeed".

FAQs

How can I use "desperate to succeed" in a sentence?

You can use "desperate to succeed" to describe someone who has a strong desire to achieve their goals. For example, "After failing several times, he was "desperate to succeed" in his final attempt".

What are some alternatives to "desperate to succeed"?

Some alternatives include "eager for success", "determined to triumph", or "strongly motivated to achieve", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "desperate to succeed"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The phrase accurately combines the adjective "desperate" with the infinitive verb "to succeed" to express a strong desire for a positive outcome.

What is the difference between "desperate to succeed" and "wanting to succeed"?

"Desperate to succeed" implies a stronger, more urgent need or desire compared to simply "wanting to succeed". The former suggests that failure would have significant negative consequences, while the latter simply reflects a wish for a positive outcome.