greatest desire

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "greatest desire" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing someone's most profound wish or aspiration. Example: "Her greatest desire was to travel the world and experience different cultures."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Finally, her greatest desire was gratified: symbolically, she went home.

The New York Times - Books

That appeared to be Bonds's greatest desire yesterday.

The New York Times - Sports

The greatest desire of terrorists is for their acts to have demonstrable effects on those minds.

University of California, Berkeley

What I do have is the greatest enthusiasm, the greatest desire to succeed.

Harvard Business Review

She once confided to Omar Azzam that her greatest desire was to become a martyr.

The New Yorker

In fact, his greatest desire, as he repeats often, is "to inspire others".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

If anyone understands middle England's greatest desires and fears, it's this bloke.

Independent

Don't hold yourself back from your greatest desires.

Huffington Post

Write at least two greatest desires for each area of your life.

Huffington Post

They displayed great desire for water.

The New Yorker

"There was a great desire for fun.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "greatest desire", ensure the context clearly indicates whose desire you're referring to and why it's significant. Providing specific details or background information can enhance clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "greatest desire" ambiguously. Always ensure it's evident who holds the desire. For instance, instead of saying 'The project fulfills their greatest desire', specify 'The project fulfills the community's greatest desire for improved access to healthcare'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "greatest desire" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies something a person or group deeply wants to achieve or experience. Ludwig provides examples of how this phrase is used in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Science

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "greatest desire" is a noun phrase denoting a profoundly important wish or aspiration. According to Ludwig AI, its use is grammatically correct and appropriate for expressing strong motivation across diverse contexts. The phrase is most frequently encountered in News & Media and Academic writing, reflecting its versatility. When employing this phrase, writers should ensure clarity regarding whose desire is being referenced to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "heart's desire" and "deepest aspiration" offer nuanced variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

heart's desire

Expresses a deeply felt wish.

deepest aspiration

Emphasizes a profound ambition.

biggest dream

Highlights an aspiration of great magnitude.

utmost ambition

Highlights the highest level of ambition.

ultimate longing

Emphasizes the final, most intense desire.

primary goal

Focuses on the main objective.

overriding ambition

Indicates an ambition that takes precedence.

highest hope

Focuses on the most optimistic expectation.

chief aim

Highlights the principal purpose.

prime objective

Indicates the main aim or target.

FAQs

What is the best way to use "greatest desire" in a sentence?

Use "greatest desire" to emphasize the intensity or importance of a wish or aspiration. For example, "Her "greatest desire" was to see her children succeed".

What can I say instead of "greatest desire"?

You can use alternatives like "heart's desire", "deepest aspiration", or "ultimate goal" depending on the context.

How does "greatest desire" differ from "strongest wish"?

"Greatest desire" often implies a long-term aspiration or ambition, while "strongest wish" can refer to a more immediate or short-term want. Though they are very similar, the former has more connotations of planning and effort over time.

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

Yes, "greatest desire" is suitable for formal writing. It is a clear and professional way to express a deeply held aspiration. Just ensure that the context of your writing calls for expressing such a strong emotion or goal.