i desired

USAGE SUMMARY

"I desired" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is the past tense of the verb "desire" and can be used to express a strong feeling of wanting or wishing for something. Example: I desired to travel to Japan, but unfortunately, I couldn't afford the trip.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

I did what I desired, just as my boyfriends and boy friends always did.

The Guardian

I began by choosing the roles I desired to play that might suit my temperament.

The New York Times

"Winning trophies at Manchester United allowed me to achieve everything that I desired in football.

The Guardian - Sport

Still, I desired penance: I washed a dozen apricots and placed them in a porcelain bowl.

The New Yorker

"My turning point came when I desired my behavior to be changed".

The New York Times

After two years, I left Kaiser because it lacked the wellness focus I desired.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

That's all I desire now.

The New York Times

Thomas, nought of your treasure I desire.

Independent

"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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the specific nuance you wish to convey. "I desired" suggests a strong feeling of wanting something, but there may be more appropriate verbs depending on the context (e.g., "I needed" for necessities, "I hoped" for possibilities).

Common error

Avoid using "I desired" excessively in casual or conversational writing, as it might sound unnatural or pretentious. Simpler alternatives are often more effective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I desired" functions as the subject ("I") followed by a verb ("desired") in the past tense. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Science

7%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I desired" is a grammatically correct and widely used phrase to express a past want or intention, as supported by Ludwig AI. It appears frequently in news and media contexts, with a slightly formal tone. While its meaning is clear, consider the context to ensure it aligns with the desired level of formality. Simpler alternatives like "I wanted" may be more appropriate in casual settings. The phrase receives a high expert rating due to its grammatical correctness, source authority, and consistent usage across reputable sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

i wanted

This alternative uses a simpler, more common verb to express a wish or intention.

i wished

This alternative is a slightly more formal and reflective way to express a desire.

i longed for

This alternative conveys a stronger sense of yearning or craving.

it was my desire

This alternative emphasizes the desire as a key aspect of one's intentions.

i aimed for

This alternative focuses on the goal-oriented aspect of desiring something.

i yearned for

This alternative expresses a deep and persistent longing.

my intention was

This alternative clarifies the purpose or goal behind the action.

i had a craving for

This alternative indicates a strong, often impulsive, desire.

i set my heart on

This alternative suggests a strong emotional investment in the desired outcome.

i was keen on

This alternative suggests enthusiasm and a strong liking for something.

FAQs

What is a more common alternative to "I desired"?

A more common and versatile alternative to "I desired" is /s/i+wanted. It is suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

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

You can use "I desired" to express a strong feeling of wanting or wishing for something in the past. For example, "I desired a peaceful resolution to the conflict."

What's the difference between "I desired" and /s/i+wished?

"I desired" expresses a strong feeling of wanting something, while "I wished" often implies a sense of regret or longing for something that is unlikely to happen. The intensity and emotional nuance differ between the two.

When is it appropriate to use "I desired" instead of /s/i+needed?

Use "I desired" when expressing a want or preference, and use "I needed" when expressing something essential or necessary. "I desired a vacation" implies a want, while "I needed rest" implies a necessity.