human desire

USAGE SUMMARY

"human desire" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to refer to a particular individual's need, something that all humans may need or want, or something that can be understood as a part of human nature. For example: "The power of human desire can lead us to achieve remarkable things."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

I can take a very human desire, insert it into a supernatural world, and watch humanity become grotesque.

The New Yorker

Human desire, less so.

The New Yorker

Human desire is an illusive, idiosyncratic thing.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human effort and human desire work the necessary magic.

The New York Times - Magazine

IT is hard to squelch the human desire for fun.

The New York Times

"The film understands the sheer, brutal force of human desire".

The New York Times

Our myths warn us about the weakness of human desire and judgment.

The Guardian - Tech

But neither will the human desire to understand and manage the universe around it.

The Guardian

"Freud's theory is about the inherent creepiness of human desire," he writes.

The New Yorker

Lefevre says: "That human desire to help others will never go away.

The Guardian

Perhaps it hints at a contradictory wish for disembodied perfection at the heart of human desire.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "human desire" to explore universal motivations in your narrative, making your characters relatable and their actions understandable.

Common error

Avoid attributing specific actions solely to "human desire" without considering cultural or individual differences. Always provide context to show how the desire manifests.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "human desire" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It encapsulates the collective or general aspirations, wants, and yearnings inherent in human beings. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a valid and commonly used expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Wiki

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "human desire" is a versatile and widely used expression, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It functions as a noun phrase to denote the fundamental aspirations, wants, and yearnings inherent in human beings. As Ludwig's examples show, this phrase appears frequently in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts and its register leans toward neutral to formal, making it appropriate for various writing styles. It is useful to note, however, that while a frequent term, you should make sure that you don't overgeneralize it by always providing context to show how the desire manifests. Consider alternatives such as "human wish" or "fundamental desire" to add nuance to your expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fundamental desire

Highlights the innate and basic nature of the desire.

human wish

Focuses on a specific want or hope, differing from the broader concept of desire.

humane desire

Emphasizes compassion and moral considerations within desire.

human longing

Emphasizes a strong feeling of yearning or missing something.

human aspiration

Highlights an ambition or goal that one strives to achieve.

human craving

Implies an intense and urgent need or want.

human intention

Highlights the plan or purpose behind an action, related to desire.

human intent

Focuses on the purpose or motivation behind an action, connected to desire.

human want

Refers to a specific need or wish.

human willingness

Implies readiness or consent, contrasting with the driving force of desire.

FAQs

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

To use "human desire" effectively, frame it within a specific context to illustrate its impact, such as "The allure of success taps into the fundamental "human desire" for recognition".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "human desire"?

You can use alternatives such as "human wish", "human longing", or "fundamental desire" to add nuance to your writing.

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

Yes, "human desire" is appropriate for formal writing. It's a neutral and widely understood concept suitable for academic, professional, and journalistic contexts.

How does "human desire" differ from related concepts like "human need" or "human instinct"?

"Human desire" encompasses wants and aspirations, while "human need" refers to essential requirements for survival. "Human instinct" denotes innate, unlearned behaviors. Desire is a broader term including both conscious and subconscious motivations.