feel desire

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "feel desire" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a sense of longing or wanting something. Example: "In moments of solitude, I often feel desire for adventure and new experiences."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

I began to feel desire again: for writing, for food, even family.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

For the short period in which we live and feel desire, pleasure is the only end we should seek.

The Guardian - Books

"His touch could never fail to make me feel desire; yet his hot, sweet breath also made me want to vomit".

The New Yorker

She says "it's a relief not to feel desire any more", although she adds even-handedly that she has women friends, as old as she is, who "have flirtations" and go out on dates.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In that world, all wishes are inverted: to feel desire is to be weak; to resist food is to be superior; to be angry at one's parents is to cut oneself with a razor.

The New York Times - Books

Since men's only concern is with the biological fitness of women for child­bearing, everything they need to know to feel desire is visible to the naked eye: "The shapely curves of female ornamentation indicate how many years of healthy childbearing remain across a woman's entire lifetime".

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

They depend on the feeling of superiority they receive when they feel desired by you; if you move on, they lose that validation.

WikiHow

Thinking back, my costumes always represented a certain tension between not feeling naturally comfortable in hyper-feminine clothes and the wish to still feel desired by men.

Vice

But there are actresses who want to feel desired by the director, that there's a strong rapport".

The New York Times

And when you feel desired, at any age, you are back in touch with all those younger selves you have been across a lifetime.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Did I need to feel desired, irresistible?

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "feel desire", consider the intensity of the emotion you want to convey. Alternatives like "experience longing" or "have a yearning" may be more appropriate for conveying a deeper sense of yearning.

Common error

Avoid using "desire" as a verb when intending to express the feeling of wanting something. Instead, use the phrase "feel desire" or a synonym to maintain grammatical correctness and clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "feel desire" functions primarily as a verb phrase + noun, expressing the subjective experience of wanting something. Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Lifestyle

25%

Books

12.5%

Less common in

Wiki

6.25%

Science

6.25%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "feel desire" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to express a sense of wanting or longing. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While it fits comfortably in various contexts, as shown by Ludwig examples in News & Media and lifestyle articles, being aware of the nuances between it and synonyms like "experience longing" or "have a yearning" can enhance your writing. Avoid using "desire" as a verb in this context, opting for the phrase "feel desire" or a suitable alternative.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

experience longing

Focuses on the experience rather than the specific emotion, implying a deeper sense of yearning.

have a yearning

Emphasizes a deep, persistent longing, often for something unattainable.

sense a craving

Suggests a strong, almost irresistible urge or need.

detect an inclination

Implies a subtle preference or tendency towards something.

recognize a passion

Highlights a strong enthusiasm or love for something.

perceive a want

Focuses on the mental recognition of needing or lacking something.

be conscious of a need

Emphasizes awareness of a requirement or lack thereof.

harbor an appetite

Implies a strong, often physical, craving for something.

entertain a wish

Suggests a fleeting or whimsical desire.

have a hankering

Suggests a casual craving, more lighthearted than a deep desire.

FAQs

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

You can use "feel desire" to describe a sense of longing or wanting something. For example, "I began to "feel desire" again: for writing, for food, even family".

What's a more formal way to say "feel desire"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "experience longing" or "harbor a wish". These alternatives convey a similar meaning with a slightly elevated level of formality.

Is it correct to say "desire to do something" instead of "feel desire to do something"?

Yes, "desire to do something" is grammatically correct and commonly used. However, "feel desire" emphasizes the emotional aspect of wanting something, while "desire to do something" simply states the intention or wish.

What's the difference between "feel desire" and "feel desired"?

"Feel desire" means to experience a sense of wanting something, while "feel desired" means to sense that someone else wants you. The first is an active emotion, the second one a passive reception of attention.