desperately desire

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "desperately desire" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a strong and urgent longing for something. Example: "After years of searching for the perfect job, I desperately desire a position that aligns with my passions and skills."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Does it say something horrible about us that we desperately desire to see Chelsea's wedding?

The New Yorker

But there are no promotions I'm seeking, no honors I desperately desire that I don't already have.

The New York Times

What this proposal really teaches us is that we can never find the certainty and security we so desperately desire.

The New York Times - Arts

"We desperately desire the chance to go through to the next round but also we must take into consideration the game with Manchester City.

The Guardian - Sport

Osborne and the cabinet (or, at least, most members of it) may desperately desire a rapid sale but there are several hurdles to clear yet.

The Guardian - Business

The Aussie stars will be given the fallow year they so desperately desire, maybe even two in each World Cup cycle.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

After all, the subprime crisis also threatens the economic recovery that Japan desperately desires.

The Economist

Then, without any discernible change in his demeanor, Steinbrenner whipped out a piece of paper and began outlining the offer Wells desperately desired.

The New York Times - Sports

And in a way, even that make sense: If the market apparently cannot be counted on to follow rational market dynamics, certainly families, the messiest, most emotionally driven, desperately desired units of human interaction, can't either.

The New York Times

From his stories and essays, most explicitly the Kenyon College commencement speech, he clearly believed it had to be a crucial component of the adult sanity he so desperately desired and, for a long while, achieved.

The New Yorker

But the forgotten trunks and suitcases found in an attic at the abandoned Willard Psychiatric Center in the Finger Lakes region of New York represent the opposite: how the door to a desperately desired reality was closed to virtually all its patients.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "desperately desire" to convey a strong sense of longing or need. Ensure the context warrants the intensity of the phrase, as it can sound overly dramatic in casual situations.

Common error

Avoid using "desperately desire" in everyday conversation or casual writing. Simpler alternatives like "really want" or "eagerly await" are often more appropriate and less likely to sound melodramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "desperately desire" functions as an intensifier (adverb "desperately") modifying the verb "desire". It amplifies the verb's meaning, conveying a strong and urgent longing. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "desperately desire" is a grammatically correct phrase used to express a very strong and urgent longing. While confirmed by Ludwig AI as usable, its relatively uncommon frequency suggests that alternative expressions might be more suitable in certain contexts. It is primarily found in News & Media sources and, while not overly formal, should be used judiciously in casual settings to avoid sounding melodramatic. Remember that the best alternative depends on the context and the specific nuance you aim to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

long ardently

Highlights a passionate and fervent desire.

wish fervently

Expresses a hopeful and earnest desire.

yearn intensely

Emphasizes a deep longing, often with emotional undertones.

burn with desire

Conveys an overwhelming and consuming passion.

crave urgently

Conveys a sense of immediate and pressing need.

hunger deeply

Suggests a profound and insatiable craving.

thirst passionately

Implies a strong and emotional yearning.

covet exceedingly

Focuses on wanting something that belongs to someone else to a great extent.

pine intensely for

Expresses a sorrowful longing, often for something unattainable.

need desperately

Shifts the focus from desire to a critical requirement.

FAQs

How can I use "desperately desire" in a sentence?

You can use "desperately desire" to express a strong longing or need for something. For example, "After being stranded, they "desperately desired" rescue".

What can I say instead of "desperately desire"?

You can use alternatives like "yearn intensely", "long ardently", or "crave urgently" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "desperately desire"?

It is appropriate to use "desperately desire" when you want to emphasize a very strong and urgent longing for something. It's best suited for situations where the desire is intense and significant.

Is "desperately desire" too strong for formal writing?

While "desperately desire" is grammatically correct, consider the tone of your formal writing. If a less emphatic phrase is suitable, alternatives like "strongly desire" or "greatly want" might be more appropriate.