first I desire

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "first I desire" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a preference or wish before stating additional desires or actions. Example: "First I desire a peaceful environment, and then I can focus on my work."

✓ Grammatically correct

General

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Unusually, he spoke first: "I desire that concrete plans to end the war, unhampered by existing policy, be speedily studied and that efforts made to implement them".

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

"The first thing I desired now that I had money was to sleep with a white woman," he notes in "The Quality of Hurt".

The New Yorker

Although the clandestine chemistry always appeared accurate at first glance, I desired a more detailed critique of Walter White's syntheses.

Vice

This meets condition (2.3), since if I say that X is good, and if am sincere in my ethical pronouncements, then I desire that everyone (including myself) should desire X a second order desire that is usually (but not always) accompanied by a first-order desire for X itself.

SEP

At first, I concealed my desires, afraid that my husband would harbor feelings of disillusionment.

Huffington Post

'Twas to that end I first desired this truce, My self proposing to be Mediator, To which my Lord Cavarnio shall agree, Could you but Condescend — I know you're Noble: And I have heard you say our tender Sex could never plead in vain.

The New York Times - Arts

At first, I really had no desire to come back to Australia, but after four years away in such a ruthless and fast-paced city, I came to have a great appreciation for the quality of life in Australia.

Vice

At first, I didn't feel the desire to compete with the journalists, live streams, tourists, and hundreds of assholes with SLRs.

Vice

"At first I didn't have any desire to change my behaviour – I didn't even want to come here," he says.

UNICEF

I have 12 months to change my daughter's first name if I so desire.

The Guardian - Opinion

Arousal first, then desire.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "first I desire" to clearly establish the initial or most important wish in a series of requests or intentions. It provides a formal tone and emphasizes prioritization.

Common error

Avoid using "first I desire" in casual conversations or informal writing. It may sound stilted or unnatural in everyday contexts. Opt for simpler alternatives like "first I want" or "I'd like to start with" in informal situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "first I desire" functions as an introductory statement of intent, setting a clear precedence for a specific wish or goal. As supported by Ludwig, it establishes a formal tone when expressing a primary desire before others.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

25%

Science

25%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Academia

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "first I desire" is a grammatically sound way to express a primary intention or wish, best suited for formal contexts where prioritization is key. While not frequently used, it conveys a deliberate and considered tone. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness, though it's important to consider the audience and purpose to avoid sounding overly formal. Simpler alternatives like "first I want" may be preferable in casual settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

initially I desire

Emphasizes the temporal aspect of the desire being the first in a sequence.

first I wish for

Replaces "desire" with "wish for", softening the tone and implying a hope or aspiration.

my first desire is

Changes the sentence structure to focus on the desire itself as a subject.

above all, I desire

Highlights the importance of the desire over other potential desires.

to begin with, I desire

Indicates that the desire is the starting point or foundation for something else.

before anything else, I desire

Stresses the priority of the desire before any other consideration.

primarily, I desire

Emphasizes that the desire is the main or most important one.

initially, my desire is

Similar to "initially I desire" but with a different word order.

first and foremost, I desire

Highlights the importance and priority of the stated desire.

my initial desire is

Another way to express the desire as the starting point or initial intention.

FAQs

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

Use "first I desire" to introduce a primary wish or intention before outlining subsequent ones. For example: "First I desire a stable career, then I will consider starting a family."

What can I say instead of "first I desire"?

You can use alternatives like "first I want", "initially I desire", or "my first desire is" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "first I desire" or "initially I desire"?

Both "first I desire" and "initially I desire" are grammatically correct, but they have slightly different nuances. "First I desire" emphasizes priority, while "initially I desire" stresses the temporal aspect of the desire being the first in a sequence.

Is "first I desire" suitable for all types of writing?

While grammatically correct, "first I desire" is generally more suited for formal writing or situations where a distinct level of formality is desired. In casual contexts, simpler alternatives like "first I want" may be more appropriate.