intense desire

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "intense desire" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a strong or almost overwhelming feeling of wanting or craving something. For example: "She had an intense desire to travel to Africa."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"There is an intense desire to win.

The New York Times

Why this intense desire to listen?

The Guardian - Books

Daneyko had another explanation for his captain's intense desire.

The New York Times - Sports

What drives Maltman is his intense desire to get better.

The Guardian - Music

Allen says, "I have an intense desire to return to the womb.

The New Yorker

Mr. Hussain has always associated art with an intense desire to bridge distances.

The New York Times

"People who have an intense desire to commit suicide grab the nearest possible means.

The Guardian

Both works shared an intense desire to please and a distinct modesty of ambition.

The New York Times

("I have an intense desire to return to the womb – anybody's," he once told Time).

The Guardian - Film

But customers' intense desire for video games extends beyond Grand Theft Auto.

The New York Times - Tech

It all comes together and feeds this intense desire in this city".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "intense desire" to convey a powerful and compelling feeling. Ensure that the context clearly indicates the object or goal of the desire for maximum impact.

Common error

While "intense desire" is effective, avoid using it repeatedly in close proximity. Vary your language with synonyms like "burning ambition" or "deep longing" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "intense desire" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig shows, it denotes a strong and compelling feeling of wanting or craving something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Science

13%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "intense desire" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase that expresses a strong feeling of wanting something. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides numerous examples across various contexts, predominantly in news and media. While suitable for formal writing, it's essential to consider the specific nuance and avoid overuse. Related phrases like "strong yearning" and "burning ambition" can offer effective alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

strong yearning

Emphasizes a deep longing or craving.

deep longing

Suggests a profound and persistent desire.

powerful craving

Focuses on a strong need, often physical or emotional.

consuming passion

Indicates a desire that dominates one's thoughts and actions.

burning ambition

Highlights a strong drive for achievement.

passionate aspiration

Highlights enthusiasm and ambition.

overwhelming urge

Implies a desire that is difficult to resist.

acute need

Focuses on a critical requirement.

fierce determination

Emphasizes resolve and commitment.

driving force

Highlights what motivates someone.

FAQs

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

You can use "intense desire" to describe a strong feeling of wanting something, such as "She felt an intense desire to travel the world" or "His intense desire to succeed drove him to work tirelessly".

What are some synonyms for "intense desire"?

Alternatives to "intense desire" include "strong yearning", "burning ambition", or "powerful craving", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

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

Yes, "intense desire" is appropriate for formal writing, but consider the context. In some cases, a more nuanced phrase might be preferable. Ludwig can help you identify if there are better alternatives.

What's the difference between "intense desire" and "strong desire"?

"Intense desire" suggests a more overwhelming and compelling feeling than "strong desire". "Intense" implies a higher degree of passion and urgency.