pervasive wish

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pervasive wish" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a desire or longing that is widespread or deeply ingrained in a person or group. Example: "The pervasive wish for peace and harmony was evident in the community's efforts to resolve conflicts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

O, that sneakily pervasive preference for the child world of wishes!

The New York Times

The sparsely furnished rooms had a pervasive mood of solitary aloneness which made me wish that these celibate people figured out, before it was too late, that they needed to loosen up a bit and for heaven's sake, procreate!

Huffington Post

Recent advances in pervasive computing raise new possibilities for supporting people with dementia who wish to live in their own homes.

International Journal of Human-Computer Studies

Yet even with the scrapping of the Human Rights Act downgraded to the status of wish rather than promise, the sense of English isolation was depressingly pervasive.

The Guardian - Opinion

But Strout is able to avoid sentimentality by imbuing Lucy's narrative with a pervasive sense of uncertainty (she routinely confesses that her memories might be the product of wish-thinking).

Independent

The underlying theme is pervasive--we are beginning to see an outline of all components, but now we wish to understand their combined function, of the whole.

Science Magazine

(We never discover a reason for Elyria's departure beyond her pervasive sense of life-bereavement — her feeling that "nothing is clear or easy to me anymore" — and her wish to leave the "concrete wasps' nest" of the city).

The New Yorker

Bay Street's scenic design by Ted Simpson is not as evocative of the play's shimmering grace and omnipresent background as one would wish, but two actors, Matthew Arkin and Jessica Hecht, are entirely in harmony with the play's mood swings and pervasive lyricism.

The New York Times

At times you wish they would focus a bit more and sound less derivative, but their shambolic nature and the pervasive feeling of dreamy psychedelia is a large part of their charm.

The Guardian - Music

The cycle reflects the pervasive sense among many American men that they are entitled to own women's bodies and to force the issue if they wish to.

The New York Times

Corruption was pervasive.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "pervasive wish" to describe a desire or longing that is not only widespread but also deeply ingrained or subtly influencing a situation. It's more impactful than simply saying 'common desire' when you want to emphasize the extent to which the wish permeates thoughts or actions.

Common error

Avoid using "pervasive wish" in casual conversation or informal writing. The phrase carries a slightly formal tone and might sound out of place in everyday contexts. Opt for simpler alternatives like "common hope" or "general desire" for a more natural feel.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pervasive wish" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "pervasive" modifies the noun "wish". According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "pervasive wish" is a grammatically correct, though infrequently used, expression that combines an adjective and a noun to describe a widespread and deeply ingrained desire. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While it can be replaced with synonyms like "widespread desire" or "common aspiration", "pervasive wish" is most impactful when emphasizing the extent to which the wish permeates thoughts or actions. It's best suited for neutral to professional contexts and should be avoided in casual conversation to maintain a natural tone. The phrase appears across various domains, including news media and scientific publications, highlighting its versatility, although its use remains relatively rare.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

widespread desire

Replaces "pervasive" with "widespread" to indicate commonality.

common aspiration

Substitutes both words to emphasize a shared goal.

universal longing

Emphasizes the global nature of the desire.

deep-seated yearning

Highlights the profound and emotional aspect of the wish.

general craving

Focuses on an intense and widely felt need.

prevailing ambition

Suggests a dominant and widespread goal.

rampant desire

Conveys a sense of the wish spreading uncontrollably.

overwhelming inclination

Highlights the intense and compelling nature of the wish.

extensive hope

Replaces "wish" with a synonym that conveys a sense of optimism.

broad inclination

Focuses on a general tendency or preference.

FAQs

How can I use "pervasive wish" in a sentence?

You can use "pervasive wish" to describe a widespread and deeply felt desire. For example: "There is a "pervasive wish" for peace in the region."

What are some alternatives to "pervasive wish"?

Alternatives include "widespread desire", "common aspiration", or "universal longing", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "pervasive wish" formal or informal?

"Pervasive wish" leans towards the formal side. Simpler phrases like "general desire" or "common hope" are more appropriate for informal contexts.

What does "pervasive" mean in the context of "pervasive wish"?

In this context, "pervasive" means widespread and deeply ingrained. It emphasizes that the wish is not just common but also permeates thoughts, actions, and situations.