desperately want

USAGE SUMMARY

"desperately want" is a correct and common phrase in written English.
It is used to describe a strong or intense desire for something. Example: "I desperately want to travel to Japan and experience their culture and food."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They desperately want it.

The New York Times

Isis desperately want to take it back.

Independent

We desperately want America to succeed".

The New York Times

We desperately want to achieve something still".

Independent

"I desperately want a coffee.

The Guardian - Film

"I do desperately want her to win.

The New York Times - Sports

We desperately want to avoid more strikes.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Sometimes I so desperately want to clarify.

The New York Times - Magazine

Online marketers desperately want to "growth hack".

The New Yorker

The trouble is, you desperately want to.

The New York Times - Food

I desperately want to work in politics.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "desperately want", ensure that the intensity of the desire aligns with the context. Overusing it can diminish its impact. Consider using synonyms to add variety and nuance to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "desperately want" in situations where a milder desire is more appropriate. For instance, saying "I desperately want a cup of coffee" might be an overstatement; "I'd like a cup of coffee" is often sufficient.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "desperately want" functions as a verb phrase where "desperately" is an adverb intensifying the verb "want". It expresses a strong degree of desire or need, indicating that the subject feels a compelling urge for something. Ludwig AI confirms its common and grammatically correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, “desperately want” is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to express a strong and urgent desire. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, this phrase is widely used across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While generally neutral in register, it's important to use it appropriately to match the intensity of the desire. Consider using alternative phrases like "yearn intensely for" or "have a burning desire for" to add nuance to your writing. By understanding its function and avoiding common errors like overstatement, you can effectively communicate your desires with clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Need something very badly

Uses a more direct and simple expression to convey the urgency of the want.

Have a burning desire for

Replaces "desperately want" with a more figurative expression that highlights the intensity of the desire.

Crave something deeply

Replaces "desperately want" with a word suggesting a strong, almost uncontrollable desire.

Feel a compelling need for

Replaces "desperately want" with a phrase that emphasizes the necessity and strength of the feeling.

Yearn intensely for

Replaces "desperately want" with a more literary and emotional expression of longing.

Have a strong urge for

Replaces "desperately want" with a phrase indicating a compelling impulse or desire.

Long for something acutely

Substitutes "desperately want" with a phrase that emphasizes the sharpness of the longing.

Be dying for something

Uses a hyperbole to emphasize the intensity of the desire, suggesting extreme eagerness.

Wish for something ardently

Substitutes with a more formal and passionate expression of wishing.

Be eager for something

Expresses keen interest and anticipation, softening the intensity of "desperately want".

FAQs

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

Use "desperately want" to express a strong and intense desire. For example, "I "desperately want" to travel the world", indicates a deep longing for global exploration.

What can I say instead of "desperately want"?

You can use alternatives like "yearn intensely for", "long for something acutely", or "have a burning desire for" to convey a similar meaning with different nuances.

Is it grammatically correct to say "desperately want"?

Yes, "desperately want" is grammatically correct. "Desperately" is an adverb modifying the verb "want", indicating the intensity of the desire.

What is the difference between "desperately want" and "really want"?

"Desperately want" implies a much stronger and more urgent desire than "really want". While both express a desire, ""desperately want"" suggests a feeling of great need or urgency that "really want" does not convey.