express desire

USAGE SUMMARY

"express desire" is a correct, usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to express a strong want or need, such as: I express my desire to find a job as soon as possible.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

"That's such a wonderful way to express desire," Scorsese marveled.

The New York Times

(Two songs on the first Swearin' EP were written by Katie, but to this day the twins have never written a song lyric together, though they both express desire to work on a musical someday; their parents raised them on a steady diet of them).

The New York Times - Arts

The other focuses on learning how to most adeptly express desire or heavenly inspiration, spirit or essence in the world.

Huffington Post

Only a few people have realized that in "Indecent" the way the women express desire is by saying, "I can't breathe".

Huffington Post

According to Katherine Dacey, the former senior manga editor for PopCultureShock, 12 Days contains "lovely, quiet observations about the way we grieve, define family, express desire, and remember moments of hurt and betrayal".

Wikipedia

Just don't go asking Jason Derulo for a quote on whether "Talk Dirty" is a comment on the freedom of sex-positive millennials to express desire or the sexualisation of our societal discourse.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

The repair of osteochondral defects with chondrocytes genetically modified to express desired growth factors promises great potential in orthopaedic therapy.

Osteoarthritis and Cartilage

Use "I statements" and express desires, or make requests, rather than criticizing or demanding.

Vice

Acosta, meanwhile, expresses desire through the most restrained means imaginable.

The Guardian

"There wasn't any expressed desire or manipulation or plan".

The New York Times

They agreed that the discussions had progressed little beyond the expressed desire to join forces.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "express desire", ensure the subject clearly communicates a want or need. For a formal tone, use it to state organizational goals or objectives.

Common error

Avoid using "express desire" in overly casual conversations; opt for simpler alternatives like "want" or "wish" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "express desire" primarily functions as a verb phrase, where "express" is the verb and "desire" is the noun acting as the object. It signifies the action of making a want or need known. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

43%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "express desire" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that functions to formally communicate a want or need. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a suitable expression, though more common in formal contexts like news, science, and business, while less appropriate for casual conversation. Alternatives such as "voice a wish" or "indicate a longing" can be used depending on the desired nuance and context. While the phrase is often found in professional settings, overuse in informal situations can sound unnatural, so consider your audience and purpose when choosing to use "express desire".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

voice a wish

Replaces "desire" with "wish" and "express" with "voice", indicating a spoken articulation of a want.

indicate a longing

Substitutes "express" with "indicate" and "desire" with "longing", focusing on a feeling of wanting something.

articulate a craving

Replaces "express" with "articulate" and "desire" with "craving", suggesting a strong and urgent need.

show an inclination

Changes "express" to "show" and "desire" to "inclination", implying a leaning or preference towards something.

convey a yearning

Replaces "express" with "convey" and "desire" with "yearning", highlighting a deep and persistent desire.

reveal an aspiration

Substitutes "express" with "reveal" and "desire" with "aspiration", focusing on a hope or ambition.

make known a want

Rephrases the original by using "make known" instead of "express" and "want" instead of "desire", focusing on the act of communicating a need.

declare a preference

Changes "express" to "declare" and "desire" to "preference", indicating a choice or favor for something.

manifest a need

Replaces "express" with "manifest" and "desire" with "need", emphasizing the demonstration of a requirement.

disclose an appetite

Substitutes "express" with "disclose" and "desire" with "appetite", implying a liking or craving, often physical.

FAQs

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

You can use "express desire" to formally state a want or need. For example, "The company "expresses desire" for increased market share".

What are some alternatives to "express desire"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "voice a wish", "indicate a longing", or "reveal an aspiration" as alternatives to "express desire".

Is it better to say "express desire" or "have a desire"?

"Express desire" emphasizes the communication of a want, while "have a desire" focuses on possessing it. Choose the phrase that best fits the context of your sentence.

When is it appropriate to use "express desire" in writing?

It is appropriate to use "express desire" in formal writing, business communication, or academic papers where a clear and direct statement of wanting something is necessary.