genuine desire

USAGE SUMMARY

"genuine desire" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to describe a strong, heartfelt wish for something, usually something positive. For example: "She had a genuine desire to make a difference in the world."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Some Republicans had a genuine desire to pass a bill.

The New Yorker

I joined because of a genuine desire to help people.

The Guardian

One is a genuine desire to act responsibly.

The Guardian

We all have a genuine desire to see this come to fruition".

The New York Times

It carried the marks of moral earnestness and a genuine desire for reform.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"There is a genuine desire to have this voted on by the end of the year".

The Guardian

So at this moment it looks like there's a genuine desire to get this done soon.

The New York Times

I think her genuine desire is not to be Billie Piper the famous person".

The Guardian

They find Ms. Palin's joy and genuine desire to serve refreshing.

The New York Times

And they were brilliant natural historians with a genuine desire to protect that legacy.

The Guardian

If you want peace you must have genuine desire for peace".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "genuine desire" when you want to emphasize the authenticity and sincerity of a wish or motivation. Avoid using it when describing superficial or fleeting interests.

Common error

While "genuine desire" is acceptable in formal writing, overuse can make your writing sound sentimental. Consider using more specific and professional terms like "strong commitment" or "firm intention" in business or academic contexts to maintain a more objective tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "genuine desire" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically acts as the object of a verb or the subject complement, describing a state of wanting something with sincerity. Ludwig provides examples showing its use across different sentence structures.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "genuine desire" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to articulate a sincere and authentic wish or longing. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It appears most commonly in news and media, scientific, and formal business contexts. While versatile, writers should be mindful of overusing it, particularly in formal settings where more specific terms might be preferable. Alternatives like "earnest wish" or "sincere longing" can provide nuanced variations. The phrase enjoys widespread use and comprehension, making it a reliable choice for expressing heartfelt aspirations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

earnest wish

Emphasizes the seriousness and sincerity behind the wish, suggesting a deep investment.

authentic yearning

Highlights the real and unfeigned nature of the desire, suggesting a profound need.

honest intention

Focuses on the integrity and forthrightness of the intent, assuring a lack of deception.

sincere longing

Emphasizes a deep and heartfelt yearning, adding a layer of emotional intensity.

heartfelt need

Stresses the emotional urgency and necessity behind the desire, indicating a deep personal requirement.

deep-seated passion

Highlights the intense emotional commitment and enthusiasm associated with the desire.

true aspiration

Highlights the ambition and goal-oriented aspect of the desire, emphasizing a higher purpose.

unfeigned enthusiasm

Emphasizes the genuine and spontaneous excitement, highlighting a lack of artificiality.

profound interest

Indicates a deep and significant level of interest, suggesting more than just a casual liking.

real inclination

Focuses on a natural tendency or preference, implying an inherent drive.

FAQs

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

You can use "genuine desire" to describe a strong and sincere feeling or aspiration. For example, "She has a "genuine desire" to help others", or "His "genuine desire" is to become a doctor".

What's the difference between "genuine desire" and "sincere desire"?

While both phrases convey a feeling of authenticity, "genuine desire" emphasizes the realness and lack of pretense in the feeling, whereas "sincere desire" highlights the honesty and heartfelt nature of the feeling. They are often interchangeable, but "genuine" focuses more on the origin and "sincere" on the expression of the desire.

What can I say instead of "genuine desire"?

You can use alternatives like "earnest wish", "sincere longing", or "authentic yearning" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say "very genuine desire"?

Yes, using "very genuine desire" can be redundant. The word "genuine" already implies authenticity and realness, so adding "very" doesn't significantly enhance the meaning. It's better to simply use ""genuine desire"" or choose a different phrase that emphasizes intensity if needed.