i desire that

USAGE SUMMARY

'I desire that' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used when expressing a wish or a longing for something. For example, "I desire that this difficult situation will soon be resolved."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

I desire that there be given me a good little hour when I can move onward to God.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Thus he wrote in a June 1543 letter to a friend: I desire that there be given me a good little hour when I can move onward to God.

Encyclopedia Britannica

As for my own children I desire that they may be provided with all the welfare and happiness of this world and of the next, so do I desire for all men as well.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"I desire that a renewed and vigorous effort be made to raise colored forces along the shores of the Mississippi," he instructed Secretary of War Edwin M. Stanton on the day after Thomas's profile in The Times appeared.

The New York Times

"I DESIRE that the terror of my name should guard our frontiers more potently than chains or fortresses, that my word should be for the natives a law more inevitable than death," wrote Alexei Yermolov, Russia's legendary general who waged total war during his conquest of the north Caucasus in the early 19th century.

The Economist

I desire that the starving in far-away countries get food.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

"I coveted the easy way she had, and I desired that: her way of being.

The New Yorker

That's what I desired, that recognition of the moment, those gifts through which we uncomfortably recognize who we are.

The New York Times

It wasn't until my cousin Jill suggested parasailing as a much safer alternative for achieving the sensation I desired that I combined my desire to fly with my dream of going to Hawaii.

Huffington Post

To imaginatively desire (i-desire) that P, or to have a desire-like imagining, would be to wish in an imaginative way that it were or will be the case that P hold (in some fictional or make-believe or pretend world).

SEP

This "non-existence" can be two-fold: i) I can desire something which cannot exist either logically or physically, for example, I can desire that I had wings; ii) if I desire something to be the case, then what I desire does not exist, yet.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I desire that" to express a formal or deeply felt wish, especially in writing or speeches. Ensure the tone of your writing matches the formality of the phrase.

Common error

Avoid using "I desire that" in casual conversations or informal writing, as it can sound stilted or unnatural. Opt for more common phrases like "I wish" or "I hope" in those situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I desire that" functions as a declarative statement expressing a wish or intention. Ludwig shows examples of this phrase used in formal writing and speech to convey a strong sense of longing or hope.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Encyclopedias

33%

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I desire that" is a grammatically correct phrase used to express a formal or deeply felt wish. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and illustrates its usage in various reputable sources. While less common in everyday conversation, this phrase is suitable for formal writing and speeches where a high level of formality is desired. It conveys a strong sense of longing or intent. When choosing this phrase, consider the context and ensure it aligns with the overall tone of your communication. Alternatives like "I wish that" or "I hope that" may be more appropriate for less formal situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I wish that

More common and slightly less formal.

I hope that

Expresses a desire with an element of expectation or uncertainty.

It is my desire that

More formal and emphatic.

My desire is that

Rephrases the sentence to emphasize the desire itself.

I long for

Expresses a deep yearning or persistent desire.

I crave that

Highlights an intense desire, often for something specific.

I yearn for

Emphasizes a wistful and sentimental longing.

I aspire to

Expresses a desire to achieve a specific goal or outcome.

I am keen that

Indicates a strong interest and eagerness for something to happen.

I covet

Expresses a strong desire for something that belongs to someone else.

FAQs

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

Use "I desire that" to express a formal wish or strong hope, such as, "I desire that this matter be resolved quickly and efficiently."

What phrases are similar to "I desire that"?

Alternatives include "I wish that", "I hope that", or "it is my desire that", depending on the level of formality you want to convey.

Is "I desire that" appropriate for everyday conversation?

While grammatically correct, "I desire that" is quite formal and might sound unnatural in casual conversation. Consider using simpler phrases like "I want" or "I hope".

What is the difference between "I desire that" and "I wish that"?

"I desire that" is generally more formal and carries a stronger sense of longing or intent than "I wish that", which can be used in both formal and informal contexts.