powerful desire

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "powerful desire" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express a strong or intense longing for something. Example: "She felt a powerful desire to travel the world and experience new cultures."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

"This is the powerful desire not to be dead — we all have it," Dr. White said.

The New York Times

I was gripped at times by a powerful desire to hurl my camera into the sea.

The New York Times - Arts

When facing personal disaster, people often have a powerful desire to hit the road.

The Guardian - Books

His surge shows there is a powerful desire under the surface for change.

The New York Times

The same revolution that soon absorbed John Adams's considerable energies simultaneously liberated Abigail Adams's powerful desire for self-assertion.

The New York Times - Books

Some nights, especially when gauchos from out of town or some disoriented travelling salesman turned up, Pereda felt a powerful desire to start a fight.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

He gives a familiar illustration – our powerful desires for sugar and fat have led to the widespread availability of foods that are primary causes of unhealthiness and ugliness.

The Guardian - Books

Plenty of great artists plumb the soul's depths without recourse to drugs or alcohol, but it's naïve to discount the connection between artistic ecstasies, self-surpassing exertions, uncommonly powerful desires, and altered states of consciousness.

The New Yorker

A young cigarette smoker can begin to feel powerful desires for nicotine within two days of first inhaling, a new study has found, and about half of children who become addicted report symptoms of dependence by the time they are smoking only seven cigarettes a month.

The New York Times - Health

Sherwin (1987) argues that the powerful desires that many people, especially women, have for their own biological children are the product of problematic social arrangements and cultural values.

SEP

Thus, the concern for your relative in Velleman's example can be understood to be present but swamped by other, more powerful desires to avoid him.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "powerful desire", ensure the context clearly indicates the object or goal of the desire. For instance, specify "a powerful desire for change" or "a powerful desire to achieve success".

Common error

Avoid using "powerful desire" in contexts where a milder expression of want or need is more appropriate. Overusing intensifiers can weaken your writing and make it seem melodramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "powerful desire" functions as a noun phrase, where "powerful" modifies the noun "desire", intensifying its meaning. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It's used to describe a strong and intense feeling of wanting something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "powerful desire" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to convey a strong and intense feeling of wanting something. Ludwig AI affirms its correct usage. It commonly appears in news articles, scientific publications, and formal communications, highlighting its versatility across various registers. While alternatives like "intense longing" or "compelling urge" exist, "powerful desire" effectively communicates the intensity of the emotion. When employing the phrase, remember to provide context and avoid overuse to maintain clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intense longing

Emphasizes the emotional intensity and yearning aspect of the desire.

strong yearning

Highlights a deep and persistent desire for something.

compelling urge

Focuses on the irresistible and driving nature of the desire.

consuming passion

Suggests a desire that dominates one's thoughts and actions.

driving ambition

Emphasizes the motivational and goal-oriented aspect of the desire.

burning craving

Highlights the intensity and almost addictive quality of the desire.

deep-seated aspiration

Focuses on a desire that is fundamental and deeply ingrained.

overwhelming temptation

Emphasizes the difficulty of resisting the desire.

fervent wish

Highlights the sincere and earnest nature of the desire.

uncontrollable impulse

Focuses on the lack of restraint associated with the desire.

FAQs

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

You can use "powerful desire" to describe a strong feeling of wanting something. For example, "She had a powerful desire to travel the world" or "He felt a powerful desire to help others".

What are some alternatives to "powerful desire"?

You can use alternatives like "intense longing", "strong yearning", or "compelling urge" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "very powerful desire"?

While not strictly incorrect, "very powerful desire" can be redundant. The word "powerful" already implies a high degree of intensity, so adding "very" may not add significant meaning. Consider using just "powerful desire" or choosing a more specific adjective.

What's the difference between "powerful desire" and "strong wish"?

"Powerful desire" suggests a more intense and driving feeling than "strong wish". A "strong wish" might be a heartfelt hope, while a "powerful desire" implies a compelling need or craving.