i desire

USAGE SUMMARY

"I desire" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is a grammatically correct sentence that expresses a strong want or wish for something. Example: "I desire to explore new cultures and travel the world."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That's all I desire now.

The New York Times

Thomas, nought of your treasure I desire.

Independent

But what do I desire?

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"I desire to take my medicines.

The New York Times

"But at the same time I desire them".

The New York Times

Our love is perfect; I desire nothing more.

The New Yorker

Richard Brody on Douglas Sirk's "All I Desire" (1953).

The New Yorker

I desire you, and yet I cannot have you.

The New Yorker

With a book I can write whatever length I desire.

The Guardian

"I desire to offer congratulations to our Australian soccer team.

The Guardian - Sport

"Classical music cannot offer me the depth of connection to my audience I desire," he wrote.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I desire" when you want to express a strong, earnest wish or longing. It adds a touch of formality and emphasis to your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "I desire" in casual conversations or informal writing where it might sound overly dramatic or pretentious. Opt for simpler alternatives like "I want" or "I wish".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I desire" primarily functions as a declarative statement expressing a strong wish, want, or longing. Ludwig's examples showcase its use in various contexts, from expressing personal aspirations to conveying formal requests.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Academia

18%

Science

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I desire" is a grammatically correct and usable expression in English, as confirmed by Ludwig. It conveys a strong wish or longing, often with a touch of formality. While it's prevalent in News & Media, Academia, and Science, it is less common in informal contexts. When writing, be mindful of the register and choose simpler alternatives like "I want" or "I wish" for casual conversations. Ludwig's examples showcase the diverse applications of this phrase, and the related phrases offer semantically similar options to enrich your vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is my desire to

This is a more formal and emphatic way of stating one's desire.

my desire is to

This phrase emphasizes the desire as a personal attribute.

i want

This is a more common and less formal way to express desire.

i wish

This expresses a hope or longing, often for something unattainable.

i long for

This implies a deep and persistent yearning.

i crave

This suggests a strong and urgent need or desire.

i yearn for

Similar to "I long for", this emphasizes a deep yearning.

i aspire to

This expresses a desire for achievement or advancement.

i am eager to

This expresses enthusiasm and anticipation.

i am inclined to

This suggests a leaning or preference towards something.

FAQs

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

You can use "I desire" to express a strong wish or longing. For example, "I desire to travel the world" or "I desire a peaceful resolution to this conflict".

What are some alternatives to "I desire"?

Alternatives include "I want", "I wish", "I long for", and "I crave", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "I desire" formal or informal?

"I desire" is generally considered more formal than alternatives like "I want". It's suitable for expressing earnest wishes in writing or speeches.

When is it appropriate to use "I desire" instead of "I want"?

Use "I desire" when you want to add emphasis or formality to your statement. It's appropriate when expressing deep longings or serious intentions. If you intend to show enthusiasm or expectation use "I am eager to".