might desire

USAGE SUMMARY

"might desire" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when expressing a possibility or hypothetical situation regarding someone's wishes or wants. Example: She might desire a new job opportunity. Alternative expressions include "may want" and "could wish."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Like great Cadillacs of the distant past, it is huge, powerful, opulent and excessive, a truck that athletes, movie stars and musicians might desire.

The New York Times

We might desire it.

The New York Times - Sports

You might desire a future free of the past.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Before sentence each appellant was called upon to make such statement as he might desire.

Cornell University

Gospel contains forces such singers might desire access to: virtuosity, resistance, belief, magic.

The New York Times - Arts

There's uncontaminated food and total security and the means to do whatever one might desire.

The New Yorker

I became interested in the idea that a woman might desire a bicycle so much.

The Guardian - Books

They ask Kim, or so they say, what sort of bauble she might desire.

The New York Times

The rest will find all the heroism and misery they might desire.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

It was the anti-Semitism of assumptions — no professor ever considered that I might desire to become an auror, or aspire to a position in the Ministry of Magic, even though Jews had been finding placement in both for decades.

The New Yorker

Certain professionals might desire a boost in attention or memory: think of interns and residents, or airline pilots.

MIT Technology Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the level of formality required by the context; "might desire" is suitable for both formal and neutral settings.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "might desire" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "may want" or "could like" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "might desire" functions as a modal verb construction expressing a conditional or potential wish or inclination. It combines the modal verb "might", indicating possibility, with the verb "desire", signifying a want or longing. This construction softens the directness of simply stating "desire". As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

20%

Science

18%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "might desire" is a versatile phrase used to express a tentative or conditional wish, suitable for a range of contexts from neutral to formal. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage. While simpler alternatives like ""may want"" exist for informal settings, "might desire" offers a nuanced way to express possibility and politeness. As the analysis of the provided examples demonstrates, it is primarily employed in news media, academic writing, and scientific publications, making it a valuable addition to any writer's vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

may want

Indicates a possibility of wanting something, similar to "might desire" but slightly more direct.

might wish to have

Similar to "might desire", but explicitly includes the idea of possession or experience.

could wish for

Emphasizes a wish or hope, suggesting a slightly stronger level of desire than "might desire".

might aspire to

Suggests a desire for something that is considered ambitious or challenging.

could long for

Suggests a deep and persistent desire, implying a sense of yearning.

might have a penchant for

Suggests a liking or preference for something, implying a habit or tendency.

could be inclined to want

More verbose, expressing a tendency or predisposition towards wanting something.

might fancy

Implies a casual or whimsical desire, often used in British English.

may have a yen for

Indicates a sudden or unusual desire, often for something specific.

may covet

Indicates a strong desire, often with a sense of envy or possessiveness.

FAQs

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

You can use "might desire" to express a polite or tentative wish, such as "They "might desire" more information before making a decision".

What are some alternatives to "might desire"?

Some alternatives include "may want", "could wish for", or "might wish to have", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "might desire" more formal than "may want"?

Yes, "might desire" generally carries a slightly more formal tone compared to ""may want"". The choice depends on the context and your desired level of formality.

What's the difference between "might desire" and "desire"?

"Desire" expresses a definite wish, while ""might desire"" indicates a possibility or a more tentative wish. The modal verb "might" softens the statement.