driven by lust

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "driven by lust" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe actions or motivations that are primarily influenced by strong sexual desire. Example: "His decisions were often reckless, driven by lust rather than reason."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

He was angry, ignorant and driven by lust.

The Guardian

Everyone here is driven by lust — for fame, for revenge and (you bet) for sex.

The New York Times

Men are driven by lust, women by boredom and the smallness of their men.

The New York Times - Books

The martial Macbett, driven by lust for Lady Duncan, supplants him only to turn into a manic monster.

The Guardian

It also manages to be a powerfully unsettling study of our own animal instincts, a narrative driven by lust and ambition as well as a scientific quest.

The Economist

The director has outgrown his early, or "horny as a bullfighter," period, so the kisses are no longer driven by lust.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Life will become cheap and tawdry, driven by a lust for sensation and mass stupidity.

The Guardian

In fact, the only consistency was emotional: it was driven by a lust for power and exclusion.

The Guardian - Opinion

Since the early Christians heralded Christ as a model of celibate virtue, Muhammad – who had married several times – was deemed to be driven by sinful lust.

The Guardian - Opinion

Why, he wondered, would Americans want to portray themselves in such a bad light and in such a public way, driven by greed, lust and treachery?

The New York Times

They may be driven by envy, lust, ambition, malice or a simple desire for friendship but the result is always the same, The stalkers leave havoc in their wake.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "driven by lust", consider the audience and the context of your writing. This phrase can be powerful but may not be appropriate for all situations. Use it to create a strong impact when depicting characters or scenarios dominated by intense sexual desire.

Common error

Avoid using phrases like "driven by lust" excessively, as it can desensitize the reader or create a caricature rather than a complex character. Use it sparingly and strategically to maximize its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "driven by lust" functions as a modifier, specifically a participial phrase acting as an adjective. It describes the underlying motivation or cause behind someone's actions or behavior. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Wiki

18%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "driven by lust" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to depict actions or motivations fueled by intense sexual desire. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct. Predominantly found in News & Media and Wiki contexts, it serves to explain the underlying causes of behavior, though its intensity requires careful consideration of the audience and writing style. While "lust" carries potential negative connotations, its usage remains generally neutral, focusing on descriptive analysis rather than moral judgment. Alternative phrases, such as "motivated by desire", offer less intense options, while others, like "propelled by sexual urges", emphasize the compulsive nature of the desire.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

motivated by desire

This alternative is a more general and less intense way to express being influenced by strong desires.

propelled by sexual urges

This alternative emphasizes the compulsive nature and intensity of the sexual drive.

consumed by carnal cravings

This phrase highlights the overpowering and consuming nature of sexual desires.

dominated by sexual appetite

This alternative conveys the idea of being controlled by a strong sexual hunger.

ruled by libido

This alternative uses a more technical and psychological term for sexual drive, suggesting a scientific perspective.

inflamed by passion

This alternative focuses on the fiery and intense emotional aspect of desire.

led by erotic impulses

This alternative highlights the spontaneous and instinctive nature of the sexual drive.

under the sway of lasciviousness

This is a more formal and somewhat archaic way of expressing being influenced by lewdness.

guided by prurience

This alternative suggests an excessive interest in sexual matters.

impelled by concupiscence

This is a more formal and less common term for intense sexual desire or lust.

FAQs

How can I use "driven by lust" in a sentence?

You can use "driven by lust" to describe a character's actions or motivations, such as: "His decisions were often reckless, driven by lust rather than reason."

What are some alternatives to "driven by lust"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "motivated by desire", "propelled by sexual urges", or "consumed by carnal cravings".

What is the difference between "driven by lust" and "driven by passion"?

"Driven by lust" specifically refers to sexual desire, while "driven by passion" is a broader term that can encompass any strong emotion or enthusiasm, such as love, ambition, or creativity.

Is it appropriate to use "driven by lust" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "driven by lust" is a strong phrase that might be more suitable for creative writing or journalistic contexts. For formal or professional writing, consider using less explicit alternatives like "motivated by desire" or "influenced by passion".