internal desire

USAGE SUMMARY

"internal desire" is a correct and usable expression in written English.
It is most often used when referring to a feeling inside of oneself for something, such as wanting to accomplish something, change something, or pursue something. For example: "I have an internal desire to become a successful entrepreneur."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

Reward systems also overwrite our natural, internal desire to do something good.

University of California, Berkeley

"When used too much, rewards can quash a child's internal desire to do well and do right," Dr. Bromfield said.

The New York Times

By crushing their employees' intrinsic motivation--the strong internal desire to do something based on interests and passions.

Harvard Business Review

Over the coming years, corporates will learn how to embrace co-working, through a mixture of internal desire and external pressure from staff and competitors.

The Guardian

Normalizing ambivalence sets the stage for the related therapeutic tasks of matching the client's attitude toward treatment, promoting trust in the therapeutic relationship, and gently supporting the client's internal desire for change.

The Arts in Psychotherapy

They are, literally, tricks: the ticking clock takes an internal desire to get something done and fools some part of the brain into thinking it's external, that the clock must be obeyed.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

This congruence between my internal desires and my external goal made moving ahead relatively effortless.

Harvard Business Review

When deciding where to disperse it, consider your internal desires, the external environment, and your top priority goal.

Harvard Business Review

In so doing, they minimize the negative psychological state that can arise from potential conflicts between their internal desires (advancement in the job versus personal or family commitments).

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

It echoes Kant in its reliance on reason as the vehicle of freedom, but it also anticipates contemporary compatibilism in its notion that a free person is one whose internal desires are not at odds with his reason.

Britannica

By rendering the internal desires of his characters in a Hollywood style, he makes the landscape chaotic and irrational.

Johns Hopkins University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "internal desire" to emphasize the inherent motivation behind someone's actions or goals. It is particularly effective when contrasting it with external pressures or incentives.

Common error

Avoid attributing actions solely to "internal desire" when external factors also play a significant role. Acknowledge the interplay between intrinsic motivation and external influences for a more nuanced understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "internal desire" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a motivational state originating within an individual, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

27%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "internal desire" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression that describes a motivation or yearning originating from within an individual. As Ludwig AI confirms, it effectively conveys inherent reasons behind actions and decisions. Its usage spans various contexts, from news and media to academic and scientific writing. While "internal desire" is a versatile phrase, alternatives like "intrinsic motivation" or "inner yearning" might be more appropriate depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Remember to avoid redundancy by not using "inner internal desire". When using the phrase, be aware of external influences and avoid attributing actions solely to "internal desire" to capture a comprehensive view of motivations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inner drive

Highlights the force that propels someone towards a goal.

intrinsic motivation

Focuses on the inherent motivation rather than a general feeling of wanting something.

inner yearning

Emphasizes a deep, emotional longing.

personal ambition

Highlights the desire for achievement and success.

personal aspiration

Focuses on a goal or ambition that one hopes to achieve.

self-motivation

Focuses on the drive originating from within oneself.

deep-seated craving

Indicates a strong, often subconscious, desire.

innate inclination

Describes a natural tendency or preference.

burning passion

Implies a strong emotional investment and enthusiasm.

unconscious wish

Indicates a desire that may not be fully recognized.

FAQs

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

You can use "internal desire" to describe a strong personal motivation, for instance: "Her "internal desire" to help others led her to volunteer at the local shelter."

What is a good substitute for "internal desire"?

Alternatives to "internal desire" include "intrinsic motivation", "inner yearning", or "self-motivation" depending on the context.

What is the difference between "internal desire" and "external pressure"?

"Internal desire" refers to motivation that comes from within oneself, while "external pressure" is motivation driven by outside forces or expectations.

Is it redundant to say "inner internal desire"?

Yes, saying "inner internal desire" is redundant. "Internal" already implies something coming from within, so "inner" is unnecessary.