raw desire

USAGE SUMMARY

"raw desire" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe a strong, unrefined, or instinctual longing or craving. Example: "Her raw desire for adventure pushed her to explore the unknown." Alternative expressions include "unfiltered longing," "intense craving," and "pure passion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Arts

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

… Raw desire is soon formed and soon spent.

The New York Times

And then a tidal wave of rage, disappointment and raw desire overtook her.

The New York Times

There is something about chemistry, intangibles and raw desire that takes teams to higher levels.

The New York Times - Sports

Chatroulette, Mr. Pishevar said, touched on the raw desire of Web users to carve out a new way to make that happen.

The New York Times - Tech

As Giorgetta, Eva-Maria Westbroek, who created the title role of Anna Nicole in February, conveyed the woman's hopeless, raw desire with burnished vocal colours and blowsy physicality.

The Guardian - Music

Now it is hard to tell where the democratic aspirations of the rebellion stop and the sectarian aspirations — the raw desire by Syria's Sunni majority to oust the Alawite minority — begin.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

But Dumont exalts his characters and his performers alike, high ideals and raw desires, harsh subsistence and loopy frivolity, the splendors of nature and architectural delights together, in images of such instant revelation that they seem to tear away the screen and deliver his imaginary world as immediate experience.

The New Yorker

Here is the raw beauty of life portrayed with naked desire.

The Guardian - Arts

In so doing they have lost the deep, passionate, raw, carnal desire that draws them to one another and makes each feel deeply desirable.

Huffington Post

"If the Republican Party nominates him, it is saying to the American people that it has lost all purpose except the raw political desire to hold power.

The New York Times

When designers talk about clothes with "raw emotion," "desire" and "happiness," as they have since the fall shows began a month ago, you wonder what they mean.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "raw desire" when you want to convey a sense of unfiltered, instinctual longing that drives a character or action. It's particularly effective in describing motivations that are not necessarily rational or refined.

Common error

Avoid using "raw desire" when a simple "want" or "need" suffices. "Raw desire" implies a powerful, almost uncontrollable urge, not just a preference.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "raw desire" functions as a noun phrase, where "raw" modifies the noun "desire". It intensifies the feeling, suggesting an unrefined, primal, or unfiltered longing. Ludwig AI supports this analysis, showcasing its use across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Arts

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "raw desire" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that conveys a strong, unfiltered longing or craving. As noted by Ludwig AI, it commonly appears in news and media, scientific, and artistic contexts. While versatile, it’s important to differentiate it from simpler expressions of wanting and to reserve its use for situations where you want to emphasize the intensity and instinctual nature of the desire. Consider using alternatives like "unbridled passion" or "intense craving" for slight variations in meaning. While suitable for both formal and informal writing, "raw desire" finds its place mostly on descriptive or narrative contents given its evocative meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intense craving

Emphasizes the strong and compelling nature of the desire.

unfiltered longing

Highlights the direct, unrefined nature of the yearning.

unadulterated passion

Stresses the purity and genuineness of the passion.

visceral yearning

Emphasizes the deep, gut-level feeling of longing.

unbridled passion

Emphasizes the lack of control and restraint in the passion.

primal urge

Suggests a basic, instinctual drive, rooted in fundamental needs.

pure lust

Focuses specifically on the sexual aspect of desire, devoid of emotional complexity.

fierce hunger

Uses a metaphor of hunger to convey the intensity and desperation of the desire.

burning ambition

Shifts the focus to desire for achievement and success.

naked ambition

Similar to "burning ambition" but suggests a more exposed or blatant desire for success.

FAQs

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

You can use "raw desire" to describe intense feelings or motivations. For example: "Her raw desire for adventure led her to explore uncharted territories" or "The politician's raw desire for power was evident in his every action".

What are some alternatives to "raw desire"?

Some alternatives include "unbridled passion", "intense craving", or "unfiltered longing", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "raw desire" formal or informal?

"Raw desire" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it's often found in literary or descriptive writing where a strong emotional impact is intended. Its appropriateness depends on the overall tone and register of your writing.

What's the difference between "raw desire" and "naked ambition"?

"Raw desire" generally refers to a strong, unfiltered yearning for something, which could be anything. "Naked ambition" is more specific, referring to an overt and often unseemly desire for power or success. It emphasizes the ambition being exposed or blatant.