extraordinary desire

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "extraordinary desire" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a strong or intense longing for something that is remarkable or unusual. Example: "Her extraordinary desire to explore the unknown led her to become an accomplished adventurer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

I am an ordinary guy with an extraordinary desire to make a difference.

The New Yorker

When Hercules saw her, he felt a stirring in his loins and was seized with an extraordinary desire to possess her, and introduce her to his nana.

The New Yorker

What she underestimated was the extraordinary desire of others to see the gorillas and the global power of the travel industry.

The Guardian - Travel

As the guns versus culture battle heats up for another round, I remain mystified why the point has not been raised more strongly that a significant problem with our culture is the extraordinary desire and even need to own weapons.

The New York Times

The Bogleheads are ordinary people who have an extraordinary desire to help others make sensible financial decisions.

Forbes

"There is an extraordinary desire, on the part of the parents, but also on the youth, to go to school," he said.

Unicef

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

A collection of columns, "Modern Love: 50 True and Extraordinary Tales of Desire, Deceit and Devotion," is sold at nytstore.com.com

The New York Times

"I went to schools, spoke to teachers, students and educators – and what was really extraordinary was the desire to learn, because they realize that knowledge propels them out of a very dark place," she said.

Unicef

And these men, these extraordinary men who desired to be something greater than their past had set them up for, saw the entertainment value in films and even more importantly saw the potential business waiting to happen.

Huffington Post

She may require two rounds of voting to win the presidency, but Lula's extraordinary popularity and the desire for continuity should ensure that the top job stays in the hands of the Workers Partyy.

The Economist

(Anderson 20110616 ★ Savion Glover (Tuesday through Thursday) This tap virtuoso — celebrated for the speed and sound of his tapping, his extraordinary virtuosity and his desire to push the boundaries of his art — returns to New York with a new program.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "extraordinary desire" to emphasize a particularly strong and uncommon wish or yearning. It's most impactful when describing a desire that sets someone apart or drives them to achieve something remarkable.

Common error

Avoid using "extraordinary desire" for simple preferences or common wants. This phrase carries a sense of significance, and applying it too broadly will dilute its impact and sound hyperbolic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "extraordinary desire" functions as a noun phrase, where "extraordinary" modifies the noun "desire". As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is used to denote a particularly strong or remarkable longing. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its usage in describing intense motivations and ambitions.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Formal & Business

16%

Wiki

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Science

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "extraordinary desire" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a particularly strong and uncommon longing. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and usability in written English. It's most effective when used to emphasize a significant and driving force, and while acceptable in various registers, it resonates most strongly in more formal or heightened contexts such as news reports or professional communications. Consider alternatives like "remarkable yearning" or "exceptional longing" to add nuance and vary your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remarkable yearning

Replaces "desire" with a more evocative synonym and "extraordinary" with a similar adjective.

exceptional longing

Uses "exceptional" instead of "extraordinary" and "longing" in place of "desire", creating a slightly more poetic feel.

uncommon aspiration

Substitutes "desire" with "aspiration", suggesting a more ambitious and future-oriented inclination.

intense craving

Emphasizes the strength and urgency of the desire, portraying it as a powerful need.

powerful ambition

Focuses on the driving force behind the desire, highlighting its potential for achievement.

burning passion

Highlights the emotional intensity and enthusiasm associated with the desire.

profound motivation

Emphasizes the underlying reason or impetus behind the desire, making it seem more purposeful.

singular ambition

Replaces "extraordinary" with "singular", indicating a unique and focused desire.

deep-seated yearning

Highlights the ingrained nature and emotional depth of the desire.

intense eagerness

Focuses on the enthusiastic anticipation and impatience associated with the desire.

FAQs

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

You can use "extraordinary desire" to describe a powerful and unusual longing. For example, "The explorer was driven by an extraordinary desire to map uncharted territories."

What's a good alternative to "extraordinary desire"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "remarkable yearning", "exceptional longing", or "intense craving" to convey a similar meaning.

Is "extraordinary desire" formal or informal?

"Extraordinary desire" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but it's generally more impactful in writing where a heightened tone is appropriate. In casual conversation, simpler phrases might be preferred.

What makes a desire "extraordinary"?

A desire is considered "extraordinary" when it's unusually strong, uncommon, or leads to exceptional effort or achievement. It's a desire that goes beyond the ordinary and inspires remarkable action.