list of desires

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "list of desires" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a compilation of wishes, wants, or aspirations someone has. Example: "She created a list of desires to help her focus on her goals for the upcoming year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

"Lines of desire" they call them (though carting stuff to a washing line surely scores low on anyone's list of desires).

Independent

He told me that a high Kremlin official had called on him at the end of last year with a list of "desires".

The New York Times - Magazine

Allibert said Delacourt, whose previous novel, My List of Desires, was translated into 47 languages, did not wish to comment on the court's decision.

The Guardian - Film

It would not be the transformation that Mr Mbeki most often talks about, that of changing from white domination to majority control, but it would almost certainly be the transformation that most South Africans would now put top of their list of desires.

The Economist

According to Magril, Today's travelers are looking for unique experiences that are off the beaten path, with local and cultural-specific food at the top of their list of desires.

Forbes

But at the end of my grand list of desires I also threw in there that I wanted to win an Oscar," Melissa told me with a laugh.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

But will the list of desired skills include language skills?

The New York Times

It was late September 2002, and Mr. Obama was on the top of Ms. Saltzman's list of desired speakers.

The New York Times

As we left Jaam-e Jam, Arash rattled off a list of desired destinations: China, France, Italy.

The New Yorker

At the top of the list of desired improvements: more interior workspace and room for packages.

The Guardian - Business

One survey section that caught my eye was a list of desired graduate roles.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When crafting a "list of desires", be specific and prioritize items to ensure focus and attainability. For example, instead of "travel more", write "visit Italy in 2026".

Common error

Avoid including essential needs in your "list of desires". Desires are wants and aspirations, not necessities. Mistaking the two can lead to unrealistic expectations and disappointment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "list of desires" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically acts as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence, representing a collection of things that someone wants. Ludwig examples confirm this usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Wiki

14%

Science

14%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "list of desires" is a grammatically sound and readily understandable phrase referring to a collection of personal wants or aspirations. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in various contexts. While not overly common, it finds frequent use in news and media outlets, as well as in more personal settings like blogs and self-help resources. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by differentiating between "desires" and essential "needs", and strive for specificity when articulating the items on your list to enhance attainability. Semantically similar phrases include "wish list", "list of wants", and "set of ambitions", each carrying subtle differences in nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wish list

A common and concise alternative to "list of desires", suggesting a collection of hoped-for items or experiences.

record of wants

Replaces "list" with "record" and "desires" with "wants", providing a straightforward alternative.

catalog of aspirations

Replaces "list" with "catalog" and "desires" with "aspirations", offering a slightly more formal tone.

inventory of wishes

Substitutes "list" with "inventory" and "desires" with "wishes", suggesting a comprehensive compilation of wants.

set of ambitions

Replaces "list" with "set", giving a shorter alternative, while "ambitions" suggests a concrete goal.

compilation of yearnings

Replaces "list" with "compilation" and "desires" with "yearnings", emphasizing deep longings.

collection of longings

Substitutes "list" with "collection" and "desires" with "longings", expressing intense yearning.

agenda of ambitions

Substitutes "list" with "agenda" and "desires" with "ambitions", implying a planned set of goals.

register of cravings

Replaces "list" with "register" and "desires" with "cravings", conveying intense desires.

roll of preferences

Substitutes "list" with "roll" and "desires" with "preferences", indicating a collection of choices.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "list of desires" in a sentence?

Use "list of desires" to represent a collection of personal aspirations or goals. For example: "She created a "list of desires" to help guide her decisions for the next five years."

What phrases can I use instead of "list of desires"?

You can use alternatives like "wish list", "list of wants", or "set of ambitions" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "list of desires"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The phrase follows standard English grammar rules, where "list" functions as a noun and "desires" is a plural noun acting as the object of the preposition "of".

What is the difference between "list of desires" and "list of needs"?

A "list of desires" contains things that you want but are not essential, while a "list of needs" includes things that are necessary for survival or well-being.