general desire

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "general desire" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a broad or common wish or inclination that is not specific to any one individual or situation. Example: "The general desire for peace and stability is evident in the community's efforts to resolve conflicts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This echoes a general desire among Generation Y graduates for a more progressive way of working.

The Guardian

As it turns out, quite a bit: The loafer as we know it came about thanks to a combination of Lost Generation wanderlust and a growing and more general desire for comfort.

The New York Times

It is dissolved into general desire.

The Guardian - Books

"It was a general desire for regime change".

The New York Times

There was, however, a general desire to discard the past and adopt new ideas.

Encyclopedia Britannica

For some, it is part of a general desire to opt out of the capitalist economy.

The Guardian

"In Italy's favor is that it seems there is the general desire to start afresh," Mr. Boitani added.

The New York Times

'There is a general desire to reduce size of government in every area of public life,' she says.

The Guardian

Others are less confident in the numbers, and think a general desire for good news about New Orleans is distorting both the estimates and the census itself.

The New York Times

That leaves at least eight votes to find.It is hard to understand why many Republicans would object to New START, beyond a general desire to snub the president.

The Economist

Ms. Des Rosiers said that the general desire for order has contributed to what she considered an erosion of free speech.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "general desire", ensure that the context clarifies who holds the desire and for what purpose. Specificity enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "general desire" when a more specific term like "need", "ambition", or "goal" would provide a clearer understanding of the underlying motivation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "general desire" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It denotes a widespread or common wish or inclination. Ludwig AI examples demonstrate its role in expressing collective aspirations and sentiments.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "general desire" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to convey a widespread wish or inclination, as validated by Ludwig AI. It functions as a noun phrase and is commonly found in news, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts. While it maintains a neutral register suitable for formal and informal settings, it's essential to provide context to clarify who holds the desire and for what purpose. Related phrases like "common wish" and "widespread aspiration" offer similar meanings with nuanced differences. To avoid overgeneralization, consider whether a more specific term might provide greater clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

common wish

Emphasizes a shared feeling or aspiration among a group of people.

widespread aspiration

Suggests a desire held by a large number of people, often implying ambition.

prevailing inclination

Highlights a tendency or preference that is dominant or widespread.

universal longing

Conveys a deep and pervasive yearning experienced by nearly everyone.

collective yearning

Highlights a shared, strong desire for something, often implying a sense of lack.

overall ambition

Implies a broad and encompassing goal or aim.

shared intention

Focuses on a mutual plan or purpose among individuals.

public sentiment

Refers to the opinion or feeling of the majority of people about a particular issue.

broad consensus

Highlights a wide agreement or harmony in opinion.

popular demand

Indicates a strong request or need expressed by a large segment of the population.

FAQs

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

You can use "general desire" to express a widespread wish or inclination, such as "There is a general desire for peace" or "The project reflects a general desire to improve community services".

What are some alternatives to "general desire"?

Alternatives include "common wish", "widespread aspiration", or "prevailing inclination", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "general desire" in formal writing?

Yes, "general desire" is appropriate for formal writing. It is a neutral and clear way to express a widespread wish or inclination. However, ensure that the context is clear and specific.

What's the difference between "general desire" and "specific desire"?

"General desire" refers to a broad wish or inclination shared by many, while "specific desire" refers to a particular wish or inclination held by an individual or a defined group. Context determines which phrase is more appropriate.