frank desire

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "frank desire" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a straightforward or honest wish or longing for something. Example: "Her frank desire to travel the world was evident in every conversation we had."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

The film's modernity comes from the clash of frank desire with comically outdated moralism: amazingly, the plot turns on an official's suggestion that Juliette have a doctor certify her virginity.

The New Yorker

Watercolors and drawings from Mr. Grooms's teenage years disclose a fascination with the circus that underlies every aspect of his subsequent work, from its chromatic excesses and spatial distortions to its captivating caricatures and frank desire to entertain.

The New York Times

His frank interest and frank desire are matched by his frank doubts about his own reason and morality, leading to self-challenging and self-questioning, from perspectives distilled from Christianity and Freud and refracted through the existential challenges of a world perched on the edge of military invasion, tyranny, and atomic annihilation.

The New Yorker

It is the frank desire for an unvarnished and valid knowledge of oneself, a knowledge that may reveal the need for moral conversion, which permits the noetic agent to arrive at authentic knowledge of one's soul.

SEP

Part of maintaining friendly discussion is a frank desire to say when you agree.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

"To be perfectly frank, sexual desire has me baffled," Sumire told me once, making a sober face.

The New York Times - Books

Pippin the Short, who as mayor of the palace had held de facto power over Francia, or the regnum Francorum ("kingdom of the Franks"), now desired to be king.

Encyclopedia Britannica

People gather in cities in the frank and urgent desire for company.

The New York Times - Arts

City officials are frank about their desire: to shut down the unit for good.

The New York Times

SENIOR cabinet ministers are, in private, perfectly frank about their desire to prevent Ken Livingstone ever getting near the office of the London mayor.

The Economist

Midnight Love was trailed by the single Sexual Healing, a song that combined funk and reggae influences with gospel-streaked vocals with a frank expression sexual desire.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair "frank desire" with a specific object or goal to clarify what is genuinely wanted. For example, "a frank desire for change".

Common error

Avoid using "frank desire" when the context requires a more nuanced or subtle expression of longing. While 'frank' implies honesty, it can sometimes sound blunt if the situation calls for delicacy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "frank desire" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where 'frank' modifies 'desire'. Ludwig's examples show it describing a direct and honest longing.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "frank desire" is a grammatically sound expression used to convey a direct and honest longing. According to Ludwig, it is considered correct and usable in written English. While relatively rare, the phrase appears in diverse contexts, including news media and scientific discussions. The phrase is a noun phrase emphasizing sincerity. To enhance clarity, pair "frank desire" with a specific object or goal. When a less blunt tone is needed, alternatives like "open longing" or "honest wish" may be considered.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

open longing

Emphasizes the openness and lack of hidden intentions in the desire.

honest wish

Highlights the sincerity and truthfulness of the desire.

unreserved craving

Focuses on the intensity and lack of hesitation in the desire.

forthright yearning

Combines directness with a deep sense of longing.

candid appetite

Implies a straightforward and uninhibited desire, often for something pleasurable.

genuine aspiration

Highlights the authenticity and ambition behind the desire.

sincere inclination

Emphasizes the heartfelt nature of the leaning or preference.

plainspoken want

Stresses the simplicity and directness in expressing the desire.

unfeigned eagerness

Focuses on the genuine and undisguised enthusiasm associated with the desire.

direct avidity

Highlights the straightforward and intense greed or enthusiasm.

FAQs

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

You can use "frank desire" to express a direct and honest longing for something. For example, "Her "frank desire" to travel the world was evident in every conversation she had."

What's a more formal alternative to "frank desire"?

For a more formal tone, consider using "sincere aspiration" or "genuine longing" instead of ""frank desire"". These alternatives maintain the sense of honesty but with a more refined expression.

Is "frank desire" the same as "sexual desire"?

While "frank desire" can encompass sexual longing, it is not limited to it. "Frank desire" can refer to any straightforward and honest wish, while "sexual desire" is specifically related to sexual urges or longings.

When is it inappropriate to use "frank desire"?

It may be inappropriate to use ""frank desire"" in contexts where subtlety or diplomacy is required. In such cases, consider using a more tactful expression, such as "a subtle interest" or "a quiet longing".