instilled a desire for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'instilled a desire for' is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to suggest that someone has been inspired to have a strong wish or ambition to do something. For example: The teacher's enthusiastic teaching style instilled a desire for learning in her students.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Not only has the EMA been successful in achieving higher participation retention and achievement (including 7.3% higher participation for females, according to the IFS), but it has created an empowered generation who are equipped to progress in FE, then later into higher education, and it has instilled a desire for lifelong learning in all its forms.

The Guardian

Next, we explored the social appeal of its success, bolstered by housedress ads in ladies' magazines that urged women to look pretty even at home by wearing the latest style, which surely instilled a desire for staying current and modern (Hill 2004).

Fashion and Textiles

The communication and coordination failures during Deny Flight also instilled "a desire for mutual understanding and common solutions" between the two organizations.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

But power has a way of instilling a desire for action and, perhaps more dangerously, the confidence that it will succeed.

The New Yorker

Work motivation theory describes how to coach a person to instil a desire for continuous improvement [ 26].

BMC Health Services Research

If the Stooges instilled a desire to provoke audiences in Alan Vega, as he eventually became, then he lived out his desire beyond his wildest dreams.

The Guardian - Music

One still wondered if the song and the other dual projects instilled a desire in either former partner to record an album together.

The Guardian - Music

She speculates that the reason for this is that feeling morally unclean (ie, disgusted) leads to feelings of moral wrongness and thus triggers increased ethical behaviour by instilling a desire to right the wrong.

The Economist

My childhood spent moving around the world with my mother instilled in me a desire for a more rooted, traditional family.

The New York Times

Mr. Allman, who is now a circulation manager for Black Enterprise magazine, credits his mother and the private school he attended in Philadelphia for instilling in him a desire for a better life, but he also gives a lot of credit to the Fresh Air Fund.

The New York Times

Evelyn Waugh said Oxford instilled a lifelong desire to draw attention to yourself.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "instilled a desire for" when you want to emphasize that someone or something has inspired a strong, lasting wish or ambition.

Common error

Ensure the subject of the sentence clearly identifies the entity or influence that caused the desire. Avoid ambiguity by clearly stating who or what did the instilling.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "instilled a desire for" functions as a verb phrase, specifically indicating the action of causing someone to have a strong feeling of wanting or wishing for something. As Ludwig examples show, it's often used to describe how influences such as education or personal experiences lead to aspirations.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Wiki

33%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "instilled a desire for" is a grammatically sound verb phrase that effectively conveys the act of inspiring a strong feeling of wanting something. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides examples from reputable sources, primarily in news and media contexts. While not exceedingly common, it is suitable for both formal and informal writing. When using this phrase, ensure clarity in attributing the source of the desire to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sparked an interest in

Focuses on initiating interest rather than a deeper desire.

inspired a love of

Highlights the creation of affection or fondness.

cultivated a passion for

Implies a more gradual and nurtured development of enthusiasm.

ignited a fervor for

Implies a passionate and intense enthusiasm.

kindled enthusiasm for

Focuses on sparking excitement and eagerness.

fostered a yearning for

Emphasizes a deep longing or craving.

inculcated a taste for

Implies teaching or imparting a preference.

generated a craving for

Suggests a strong and urgent need or want.

created an appetite for

Uses a metaphor of hunger to represent a strong desire.

prompted an inclination towards

Suggests a tendency or preference rather than a strong desire.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "instilled a desire for" in a sentence?

Make sure to clearly identify who or what instilled the desire and what the object of the desire is. For example, "The program "instilled a desire for" lifelong learning."

What are some alternatives to "instilled a desire for"?

You can use alternatives such as "sparked an interest in", "cultivated a passion for", or "inspired a love of" depending on the context.

Is "instilled a desire for" formal or informal?

"Instilled a desire for" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but consider the specific nuance you wish to convey. Alternatives might be more appropriate depending on the audience.

What's the difference between ""instilled a desire for"" and "created a need for"?

"Instilled a desire for" suggests inspiring a want or ambition, while "created a need for" implies making something necessary or essential. The former is about aspiration, the latter about requirement.