pervasive desire

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pervasive desire" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a desire that is widespread or all-encompassing in a particular context. Example: "The pervasive desire for success often drives individuals to work harder than ever before."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Aside from the economic benefits, this strong and pervasive desire for friendship between our two nations was the strongest sentiment I encountered on this trip.

Huffington Post

For example, in a study of 200 terminally ill inpatients with cancer, the prevalence of depressive syndromes was 59% among patients with a serious and pervasive desire to die but only 8% among patients without such a desire.

British Medical Journal

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

"Asia has ample reason to be much more optimistic," says Clifford, citing a young labor force, rising productivity and a pervasive, collective desire to get ahead.

Forbes

Leon Wieseltier authored a piece in the New Republic earlier this week that critiqued the pervasive American desire to "move on" immediately after tragedy.

Huffington Post

- (DA) The European Parliament' s report on the Charter is characterised by one pervasive idea: the desire for EU citizenship in a supranational State, whether one likes that term or not.

EU Parlament

"Persistent and pervasive inhibition of sexual desire," the diagnosis reads.

The New York Times - Magazine

Narcissistic personality disorder involves a pervasive grandiosity, an extreme desire for attention, a sense of entitlement, a willingness to exploit or mistreat others, an excessive need for admiration and a lack of empathy.

The Guardian

The conviction that the natural world is ours for the taking, but that human nature remains closed to change, has led directly to multiple global crises - climate change, growing inequality, and, less noted, but perhaps even more significant, a pervasive, doomed and morbid desire for the unattainable.

The Guardian - Opinion

Sister Carrie and An American Tragedy are certainly enduring works of literature that display a deep understanding of the American experience around the turn of the century, with its expansive desires and pervasive disillusionments.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The second of the Barbican's Joyce DiDonato Artist Spotlight concerts was a performance of Alcina, Handel's beautiful examination of the pervasive yet transient nature of desire.

The Guardian - Music

The answer has far less to do with evolution than with the ways women are shamed for expressing aggressive desire and with the pervasive idea that women who pursue their own satisfaction are asking to be raped.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "pervasive desire", ensure that the context clearly indicates what the desire is for and who or what it affects. Providing specific examples or details can enhance clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "pervasive desire" in contexts where the desire is not truly widespread or demonstrably significant. Overstating the prevalence of a desire can weaken your argument or credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pervasive desire" functions as a noun phrase, where 'pervasive' acts as an adjective modifying the noun 'desire'. It describes a desire that is widespread or prevalent within a particular group or context. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "pervasive desire" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a widespread or prevalent longing. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While relatively rare, its applications span across news, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts. When employing this phrase, ensure that the breadth and specific focus of the desire are clearly defined. Alternatives like "widespread longing" or "ubiquitous yearning" can be considered depending on the nuance you wish to convey. Avoid overstating the prevalence of the desire to maintain credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

widespread longing

Emphasizes the breadth of the desire across a population or group.

ubiquitous yearning

Highlights the presence of the desire everywhere, in all situations.

common aspiration

Focuses on the shared nature of the desire among individuals.

general inclination

Indicates a tendency or leaning towards something that is widely felt.

prevailing ambition

Suggests a dominant desire that is currently in vogue or highly valued.

collective craving

Highlights the unified and shared nature of the desire within a group.

deep-seated aspiration

Emphasizes the fundamental and ingrained nature of the desire.

universal thirst

Implies a need or hunger for something that is shared by all.

overriding passion

Indicates a powerful desire that takes precedence over other considerations.

raging appetite

Conveys a very strong and often uncontrolled desire.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "pervasive desire" in a sentence?

To effectively use "pervasive desire", follow it with a 'for' phrase indicating the object of the desire. For instance, "The pervasive desire for innovation drives technological advancements" or "The pervasive desire for social justice fuels activism".

What are some alternatives to using the phrase "pervasive desire"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "widespread longing", "ubiquitous yearning", or "common aspiration".

Is there a difference between "pervasive desire" and "intense desire"?

"Pervasive desire" implies a widespread desire among many people, while "intense desire" suggests a strong feeling within an individual. They describe different aspects of the desire: its scope versus its strength.

In what contexts is it most appropriate to use "pervasive desire"?

It is most appropriate to use "pervasive desire" when discussing social trends, cultural movements, or widespread aspirations that affect a large group or population. It's less suited for describing personal or individual feelings.