keen desire

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keen desire" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a strong or intense longing for something. Example: "She had a keen desire to travel the world and experience different cultures."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

There is a keen desire to maintain the neighborhood's privacy.

The New York Times

There was a keen desire for live D.J.'s and M.C.'s at local parties.

The New York Times

People expressed a keen desire for a break from the grip of the Bongo family.

The New York Times

Nevertheless, he discovered that he had an appetite for campaigning — and a keen desire to hold elected office.

The New Yorker

The Barclays bankers advising Del Monte, he said, "had a keen desire to see the deal close with K.K.R".

The New York Times

Mr Noonan, at 57 four years older, has both substance and image, and a keen desire for power.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

"He obviously showed a great desire to come back and we were very keen for him to come back," said McCoist.

BBC

Similarly, for many young readers, the more Potter novels they read, the keener their desire to read another.

The New York Times

It seems that the appetite for pictures showing bodies in pain is almost as keen as the desire for ones that show bodies naked.

The New Yorker

But with my coaching support and her keen awareness and desire to grow into more fulfillment and happiness, she knew it was healthy to feel these emotions, accept them, and trust that the dynamic and positive nature of her life and goals would move her forward into something even better next time.

Huffington Post

But the message was: "I'm keen to be desired, drooled over, fantasised about, wanked over".

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "keen desire" with a specific goal or object to create a more impactful statement. For example, "a keen desire to learn" or "a keen desire for success".

Common error

Avoid using "keen desire" to describe mundane preferences or everyday choices. It's best reserved for expressing strong and meaningful aspirations. Consider softer alternatives in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keen desire" functions as a noun phrase, where "keen" modifies the noun "desire", intensifying its meaning. It expresses a strong and focused longing or aspiration. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

19%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "keen desire" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to express a strong and focused longing or aspiration. As noted by Ludwig, it's considered correct and suitable for various writing contexts. The analysis shows that this phrase commonly appears in News & Media, Science and Formal & Business contexts. While adaptable, its use is best reserved for situations where a significant level of aspiration is meant to be conveyed, avoiding trivial or mundane applications. Semantically similar alternatives include "strong longing", "intense yearning", and "ardent aspiration".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

strong longing

Emphasizes the emotional aspect of the desire.

intense yearning

Suggests a deep and persistent desire.

ardent aspiration

Conveys a fervent and ambitious desire.

eager anticipation

Focuses on the excitement and expectation associated with the desire.

fervent wish

Implies a sincere and passionate desire.

burning ambition

Highlights a strong drive for achievement.

great enthusiasm

Shows a high level of interest and excitement.

deep craving

Expresses a powerful and urgent need.

consuming passion

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

pronounced inclination

Suggests a natural tendency or preference.

FAQs

How to use "keen desire" in a sentence?

You can use "keen desire" to describe a strong longing or aspiration. For instance, "She has a "keen desire" to travel the world".

What can I say instead of "keen desire"?

You can use alternatives like "strong longing", "intense yearning", or "ardent aspiration", depending on the context.

Which is correct, "keen desire" or "eager desire"?

Both ""keen desire"" and "eager desire" are grammatically correct, but "keen desire" suggests a more focused and intense longing, while "eager desire" implies enthusiasm and anticipation.

What's the difference between "keen desire" and "strong wish"?

"Keen desire" suggests a focused and intense longing, often associated with ambition or specific goals, whereas "strong wish" is a more general expression of hope or longing.