powerful urge

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "powerful urge" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a strong desire or impulse to do something. Example: "She felt a powerful urge to travel the world and explore new cultures."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

A powerful urge to attend multiple viewings of "Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel".

The New York Times

But the totality is fascinating, compelling and evokes a powerful urge to explore and discover.

The Guardian - Arts

But it is also an age with a powerful urge toward aesthetic experiment".

The New York Times - Arts

Yet perhaps the most powerful urge to cheat stems from a deep sense of unfairness, psychologists say.

The New York Times

It's from that heady time when I first visited the pueblo and felt a powerful urge to stay and explore.

The New York Times - Science

By the war's end the public had a great pile of disposable income -- and a powerful urge to spend it.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

And now I've had one of those powerful urges for a particular read which sweeps aside all the books one has planned on reading.

The Guardian - Books

Mr. Hill's blunt criticisms so angered union leaders that some of the most powerful urged the N.A.A.C.P. to fire him, saying he was sabotaging unions and sowing tensions between the labor and civil rights movements.

The New York Times

Both can trigger powerful urges to smoke.

Huffington Post

He added that the point of "Exit" was "to convey the state of mind of someone driven, by whatever powerful urges, to the very brink of desperation".

Wikipedia

These powerful urges, drawn up from the subconscious and enriched by divine archetypes, breathe life into the world just as they enrich our souls.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "powerful urge", consider the intensity you wish to convey. Alternatives like "strong desire" or "intense craving" may be more appropriate depending on the context.

Common error

Avoid using "powerful urge" in contexts where a milder expression of desire would be more suitable. Overusing strong language can diminish its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "powerful urge" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "powerful" modifies the noun "urge". It describes a strong and compelling feeling or impulse. Ludwig and Ludwig AI show the phrase is commonly used to express intense desires or motivations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Books

10%

Opinion

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "powerful urge" effectively communicates a strong and compelling feeling or impulse. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across various contexts. Predominantly found in news and media, it describes intense desires, motivations, or temptations. For nuanced expression, consider alternatives like "strong desire" or "intense craving". While generally acceptable, avoid overusing it to maintain its impact, as judicious use strengthens its rhetorical force. Ludwig examples demonstrate versatility, proving it's a valuable tool in expressive writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

strong desire

Replaces "urge" with "desire", emphasizing the emotional aspect.

uncontrollable desire

Highlights the lack of control over the feeling.

intense craving

Replaces "urge" with "craving", suggesting a more urgent and compelling need.

compelling impulse

Substitutes "urge" with "impulse", conveying a sudden and strong motivation.

overwhelming temptation

Replaces "urge" with "temptation", highlighting the allure and potential resistance involved.

irresistible inclination

Replaces "powerful urge" with a more formal and nuanced expression.

consuming passion

Emphasizes the intensity and all-encompassing nature of the desire.

burning ambition

Focuses on a goal-oriented and highly motivated drive.

driving force

Shifts the focus to the motivational aspect, implying a fundamental impetus.

deep-seated yearning

Suggests a profound and long-lasting longing.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "powerful urge"?

You can use alternatives like "strong desire", "intense craving", or "compelling impulse" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

You can use "powerful urge" to describe a strong feeling or desire to do something. For example, "She felt a powerful urge to travel the world."

Is "powerful urge" too strong of a phrase to use in formal writing?

While "powerful urge" is generally acceptable, in formal writing, you might consider alternatives like "strong desire" or "irresistible inclination" for a more refined tone.

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

While similar, "powerful urge" suggests a more sudden and perhaps less rational impulse, whereas "strong desire" implies a more considered and sustained feeling.