desperately wanting

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "desperately wanting" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are trying to convey a strong feeling of wanting or desire. For example, "She looked up at the cake in the window, desperately wanting a piece."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

Always people are desperately wanting a room on the Nile".

The New Yorker

At her new school, "I remember desperately wanting to assimilate.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

I was always desperately wanting to find books that did.

The Guardian - Books

Waters prodigiously exaggerates the deficiencies of false dichotomies; each side of the aisle is desperately wanting.

The New Yorker

Many women, he said, come to his general clinic desperately wanting to gain weight.

The New York Times

Any well-heeled early adopter who sees this thing winds up desperately wanting one.

The New York Times - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

"He desperately wants friends.

The New York Times - Magazine

Victoria desperately wants one.

The New York Times - Books

France desperately wants that, too.

The New York Times

I desperately wanted more.

The New Yorker

They desperately want it.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In creative writing, use "desperately wanting" to create a sense of urgency or desperation, helping readers connect with a character's strong emotions and motivations.

Common error

Avoid overusing "desperately wanting", as it can become a cliché. Vary your language to maintain freshness and impact. Consider using alternatives like "keenly desiring" or "intensely longing for" to add nuance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "desperately wanting" functions as an adverbial modifier, intensifying the verb "wanting". It specifies the manner in which someone desires something, emphasizing the urgency and strength of that desire. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Science

8%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "desperately wanting" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression that effectively conveys a strong sense of desire or need. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for use in written English. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts, suggesting its utility in portraying human emotions and motivations. While its usage is widespread, it's essential to avoid overuse and consider alternatives to maintain freshness and impact. The linguistic analysis underscores its function as an adverbial modifier, intensifying the verb "wanting" and enhancing the emotional weight of the statement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

strongly desiring

A more straightforward and less emotional way to express a powerful wish.

intensely longing for

Focuses on the emotional aspect of missing something or someone.

keenly desiring

Emphasizes eagerness and enthusiasm in addition to wanting.

anxiously yearning for

Adds a sense of worry or unease to the wanting.

acutely needing

Highlights the necessity of what is being wanted, rather than just the desire.

earnestly craving

Highlights the sincerity and depth of the desire.

passionately desiring

Implies a very strong emotional or romantic component.

eagerly anticipating

Emphasizes the positive expectation and excitement of wanting something that is about to happen.

ardently wishing

A more formal and literary way to express a fervent desire.

fervently hoping for

Focuses on the hopeful aspect of wanting, suggesting a strong belief that it might happen.

FAQs

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

You can use "desperately wanting" to describe someone's intense desire for something. For example, "She was "desperately wanting" to win the competition".

What are some alternatives to "desperately wanting"?

Alternatives include "strongly desiring", "intensely longing for", or "earnestly craving", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "desperately wanting"?

Yes, "desperately wanting" is grammatically correct. It is an adverb modifying a verb phrase to express a strong desire.

What's the difference between "desperately wanting" and "really wanting"?

"Desperately wanting" conveys a higher degree of intensity and urgency compared to "really wanting". The former suggests a significant need or strong emotional attachment, while the latter simply indicates a strong preference.