she desired

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "she desired" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing someone's wishes, wants, or longings, often in a literary or formal context. Example: "In her heart, she desired a life filled with adventure and excitement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Kagan has not attained everything she desired.

The Washington Post

He was a bit older than she desired.

The New York Times

Judy said she desired "a good team-mate; a partner in crime".

The Guardian - Tech

"It was Louise who kept pushing us on as she desired to cover up her difference".

The Guardian

He is a big, burly type, just like the type he had always suspected she desired.

The New Yorker

She desired, she says, to be "drawn into the wild heart of things".

The New York Times - Books

The young lady herself told the press that she desired to go to Havana & wanted no part of N.Y.

The New Yorker

Ms. Anderson said she desired to return to her "natural state," the actress's spokesperson told People magazine at the time.

The New York Times

The justices reminded Mary Lacey, Jr., that if she desired to be saved by Christ she would confess.

The New Yorker

Yet she desired women, had affairs with them, and worried that she might be lesbian by nature.

The Guardian - Film

Here was a project she desired to make thoroughly her own, a need carried out with specificity.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "she desired" when you want to add a touch of formality or emphasize a sense of longing in your writing. Consider the context to determine if a more direct synonym like "she wanted" would be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "she desired" in casual or informal writing. It can sound stilted or pretentious when a simpler phrase would be more natural. Opt for "she wanted" or "she wished" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "she desired" functions as a verb phrase expressing the subject's (she) wish or longing for something. Ludwig shows numerous examples of its use in various contexts, reinforcing its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

24%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "she desired" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to convey a woman's wants or longings. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is acceptable for use in written English and often adds a touch of formality or emphasis. While alternatives like "she wanted" or "she wished" exist, "she desired" is valuable for more nuanced or formal writing. Its prevalence in news and media and scientific contexts, as shown by Ludwig, reinforces its broad applicability while suggesting a need for mindful use in informal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

she wanted

More direct and less formal way of expressing the same idea.

she wished for

Implies a sense of hope or fantasy in what is being desired.

she longed for

Conveys a stronger sense of yearning or deep desire.

it was her desire to

More formal and emphatic way of stating her desire.

she yearned for

Emphasizes a deep emotional longing.

she craved

Suggests a powerful and urgent desire.

she aspired to

Focuses on ambition and striving towards a goal.

she had a desire for

A more verbose way of expressing the same sentiment.

she had a craving for

Emphasizes a strong physical or emotional need.

her desire was to

Formal and slightly detached way of stating her desire.

FAQs

How can I use "she desired" in a sentence?

Use "she desired" to express a woman's wants, wishes, or longings. For example, "She desired a life filled with adventure."

What are some alternatives to "she desired"?

Alternatives include "she wanted", "she wished for", or "she longed for", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "she desired" formal or informal?

"She desired" leans towards the formal side. For more casual contexts, consider using alternatives like "she wanted" or "she wished".

What's the difference between "she desired" and "she needed"?

"She desired" implies a want or wish, while "she needed" suggests a requirement or necessity. The former is about preference, the latter about essential requirements.