my desire

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "my desire" is both grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It can be used in various contexts, but typically refers to a strong feeling or want for something. Example: "My desire to travel the world has only grown stronger since studying abroad in college."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

The New York Times

The Guardian

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

MY desire to have a fourth child waxed and waned.

The New York Times

But my desire is gone.

The New York Times - Magazine

Then I lost my desire".

The New York Times

No, it is my desire".

The New Yorker

"It increases my desire".

The New York Times - Sports

That is my desire.

The Guardian - Business

You are the object of my desire.

Independent

My desire brought me some discomfort.

The New York Times

Attention is what held my desire.

The New York Times

This my desire, my burn.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I do it because that's my desire.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When expressing "my desire", ensure the context clearly defines what you are desiring. Using strong verbs and specific nouns can enhance the clarity and impact of your statement.

Common error

Be specific when stating "my desire". Vague statements can lead to misinterpretations. Clearly define what you want to achieve or obtain.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "my desire" functions as a noun phrase, where "my" is a possessive pronoun modifying the noun "desire". It acts as the subject, object, or complement in a sentence. Ludwig confirms this usage with numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "my desire" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to express a personal wish or longing. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread usage across various contexts, predominantly in news and media. While the phrase is generally neutral in register, the surrounding context can influence its formality. It's important to specify what exactly one is desiring to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "what I want" or "my intention" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what I want

Focuses on the object of the desire rather than the feeling itself.

my aspiration

Implies a long-term goal or ambition, adding a sense of purpose.

my longing

Conveys a sense of yearning or deep emotional need.

my intention

Highlights the planned action or purpose behind the desire.

my aim

Suggests a specific target or objective, making the desire more concrete.

my craving

Emphasizes a strong and often uncontrollable need.

my wish

Presents the desire as a hope or a request, often less intense.

my yearning

Similar to longing, but can also imply a sense of loss or absence.

my ambition

Suggests a strong drive for success or achievement.

what I am seeking

Focuses on the active pursuit of the desire.

FAQs

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

You can use "my desire" to express a strong feeling or wish for something. For example, "My desire is to travel the world" or "My desire to learn a new language is strong".

What are some alternatives to saying "my desire"?

You can use alternatives like "what I want", "my aspiration", or "my intention" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "my desire" or "I desire"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "my desire" emphasizes the feeling or wish itself, while "I desire" is a more direct and active statement of wanting something.

How does "my desire" differ from "my goal"?

"My desire" refers to a strong feeling of wanting something, while "my goal" refers to a specific objective you are trying to achieve. "My intention" might be to reach a certain goal because of "my longing".