earnestly desiring

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "earnestly desiring" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a strong and sincere wish or longing for something. Example: "She was earnestly desiring a chance to prove her skills in the competition."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Earnestly desiring leisure, feeling a decline of his physical powers, and wincing under abuses of the opposition, Washington refused to yield to the general pressure for a third term.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

We heard for years how Israel earnestly desired a two-state solution if only there were a credible Palestinian partner.

The New York Times

But when Imlay abandoned her, she wrote to her friend Amelia Alderson that she "earnestly desired to resign a name which seemed to disgrace me".

The Guardian - Books

The boys want muffins for breakfast except one boy who earnestly desires a sesame bagel, toasted, with cream cheese, but the deli is all out of sesame, and this is a cruel disappointment to him.

The New York Times

On the university's Web site, under the heading "The Truth About Bob Jones University," the following sentence appears: "We love the practicing Catholic and earnestly desire to see him accept the Christ of the Cross, leave the false system that has enslaved his soul, and enjoy the freedom of sins forgiven that is available for any of us in Christ alone".

The New York Times

We love the practicing Catholic and earnestly desire to see him accept the Christ of the Cross, leave the false system that has enslaved his soul and enjoy the freedom of sins forgiven that is available for any of us in Christ alone.

The New York Times

The development of the Fe-metalloids BMGs without any glass-forming metal elements and with high glass-forming ability (GFA) has been earnestly desired from academia to industry, however, has been left unsolved matter over many years.

Journal of Alloys and Compounds

Despite tensions, the report said West Baltimore residents also expressed "a deep respect for police officers, and earnestly desire that relations can be rehabilitated".

Huffington Post

The embassy was led by two Genoese travelers in the service of the Mongol emperor, who carried letters representing that the Mongols had been eight years (since Archbishop John of Montecorvino's death) without a spiritual guide, and earnestly desired one.

Wikipedia

All believers are commanded to earnestly desire the manifestation of the gifts in their lives.

WikiHow

People everywhere show a desire to partake of the fruits of globalization, but they just as earnestly want to celebrate the distinctiveness of their own cultures.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "earnestly desiring" when you want to emphasize the sincerity and intensity of a wish. It adds a touch of formality and can elevate the tone of your writing.

Common error

While "earnestly desiring" can be effective, avoid using it too frequently. Overuse can make your writing sound stilted or overly formal. Consider using simpler alternatives like "sincerely wishing" or "really wanting" depending on the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "earnestly desiring" functions as a descriptive modifier, adding emphasis and sincerity to the act of desiring. As Ludwig confirms, it's grammatically correct. The adverb "earnestly" intensifies the verb "desiring", indicating a strong and heartfelt wish. Similar phrases include "sincerely wishing" and "deeply longing for".

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Encyclopedias

21%

Science

12%

Less common in

Wiki

9%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "earnestly desiring" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express a strong and sincere wish. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. While not a highly frequent expression, it finds its place in formal writing, news articles, and encyclopedic entries to convey deep longing. Consider alternatives like "sincerely wishing" or "deeply longing for" to suit varying contexts. Be mindful of overusing the phrase to avoid sounding overly formal. Authoritative sources like The New York Times and Encyclopedia Britannica demonstrate appropriate usage. The register tends towards formal, so reserve it for situations where a more elevated tone is appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

strongly desiring

Replaces "earnestly" with "strongly", which maintains a firm expression of desire but reduces intensity.

sincerely wishing

Replaces "earnestly" with "sincerely", offering a slightly less intense and more common expression of desire.

deeply longing for

Substitutes "earnestly desiring" with "deeply longing for", emphasizing the emotional aspect of the desire.

earnestly wishing for

Replaces "desiring" with "wishing", offering a more common and slightly less formal expression.

fervently hoping for

Replaces "desiring" with "hoping", introducing an element of anticipation and expectation.

sincerely craving

Combines sincerity with a strong need, offering a balanced expression of genuine desire.

ardently craving

Uses "ardently craving" to convey a passionate and intense desire.

eagerly anticipating

Shifts the focus to anticipation, implying a joyful expectation of something.

passionately yearning for

Emphasizes the emotional intensity of the desire, suggesting a deep and heartfelt longing.

avidly seeking

Changes the focus from passive desire to active pursuit, implying a determined effort to obtain something.

FAQs

What does "earnestly desiring" mean?

The phrase "earnestly desiring" means to have a strong and sincere wish or longing for something. It emphasizes the depth and genuineness of the desire.

How can I use "earnestly desiring" in a sentence?

You can use "earnestly desiring" to express a deep and sincere wish. For example: "She was "sincerely wishing" for a chance to prove herself."

What can I say instead of "earnestly desiring"?

You can use alternatives like "sincerely wishing", "deeply longing for", or "fervently hoping for" depending on the context and the level of intensity you want to convey.

Is "earnestly desiring" formal or informal?

"Earnestly desiring" leans towards the more formal side. In more casual conversation, simpler phrases like "really wanting" or "sincerely wishing" might be more appropriate.