honest desire

USAGE SUMMARY

"honest desire" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to express an earnest longing for something. For example, "He expressed his honest desire to learn more about the history of his family."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

And, so often, the differences that seem at first like an insurmountable barrier to understanding crumble in the face of informed questions and an honest desire to hear.

Columbia University

The events of the next few days might help us to decide – in the meantime prayer and honest desire to do God's will are the only things left to us.

The Guardian - Books

This should be an open-and-shut case, but it comes at a time when the Obama administration, despite its commitment to transparency, has pursued a record number of criminal prosecutions against whistle-blowers for leaking information to the press, even if the disclosures were done out of an honest desire to serve the public interest.

The New York Times

Surely many officers understand and accept his conciliatory words and realize that the things Mr. de Blasio has done — like hiring Mr. Bratton, increasing financing for the department and modernizing its equipment — are motivated by an honest desire to do right by the Police Department.

The New York Times

At the core of the band remains a white hot honest desire to be bigger and better than anyone else.

BBC

Coming close to tears, Ms Matthei told her supporters that her "deepest and honest desire is that things go well for her [Michelle Bachelet]".

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

My honest desires are to be my own protector, my own savior, shield and messiah.

Huffington Post

The trick is to focus your thoughts on your honest desires, and not just that shiny thing over there.

Huffington Post

Someone should have told you that your best was good enough; that the honest desires of your heart and the diligent work of your hands regardless of the results, made your efforts successful.

Huffington Post

Asked about his postplaying aspirations, Billups, 36, said: "To be honest, my desire has been the front-office-type thing — president, general manager, put the team together.

The New York Times - Sports

It feels slightly juvenile, to be honest: the desire to go from a tiny whisper to banging the drum as loud as I possibly can.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "honest desire" to convey sincerity and genuine intent. It strengthens your writing by showing authentic emotions or motivations.

Common error

Avoid using "honest desire" when a simple "want" or "wish" suffices. "Honest desire" implies a deeper, more sincere motivation beyond a superficial inclination.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "honest desire" functions as a noun phrase where "honest" modifies the noun "desire", specifying the quality of the desire as genuine and sincere. Ludwig examples showcase its use in expressing authentic intentions and heartfelt wishes.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "honest desire" is a noun phrase used to express a genuine and sincere wish or intention. Ludwig confirms that it's grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While semantically similar alternatives like "sincere wish" or "earnest longing" exist, "honest desire" uniquely emphasizes the authenticity of the feeling. When using the phrase, ensure it conveys a deeper, more sincere motivation than a simple "want". Be mindful of context and aim to convey authenticity and truthfulness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sincere wish

Emphasizes the genuineness and depth of the desire.

earnest longing

Highlights the intensity and seriousness of the desire.

genuine aspiration

Focuses on the authenticity and ambition behind the desire.

true intention

Underscores the honesty and purposefulness of the desire.

heartfelt yearning

Conveys a deep emotional connection to the desire.

authentic craving

Stresses the unfeigned and compelling nature of the desire.

unfeigned ambition

Highlights the sincerity and drive associated with the desire.

real inclination

Emphasizes the genuineness and natural tendency toward the desire.

candid hope

Focuses on the honesty and optimism related to the desire.

forthright pursuit

Underscores the directness and honesty in following the desire.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "honest desire" in a sentence?

Use "honest desire" to emphasize genuine intention or heartfelt longing. For example, "His "honest desire" was to help others."

What are some alternatives to "honest desire" that I can use?

You can use alternatives like "sincere wish", "earnest longing", or "genuine aspiration" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "honest desire" and "strong desire"?

While both indicate a feeling of wanting something, "honest desire" emphasizes sincerity and truthfulness, whereas "strong desire" only highlights the intensity of the feeling. It's about the genuineness versus the intensity of the want.

Can "honest desire" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "honest desire" is appropriate for formal writing. It adds a layer of sincerity and conviction, making it suitable for expressing genuine intentions or heartfelt goals in professional or academic contexts.