show desire

USAGE SUMMARY

"show desire" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
For example, you could use it in a sentence like this: "He could not help but show desire for her."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

"The results of the first round show desire for a third way, even if it's not united," Sally Sami, a human rights activist and one of the founders of the liberal Social Democratic Party told me last week.

The New York Times

If you don't show desire, your ability counts for nothing.

BBC

The development of river Niger and river Benue which is a good example of ecotourism is an alternative to traditional tourism, because it receives tourist who show desire for cultural heritage and knowledge of host community.

Journal of Global Entrepreneurship Research

Show desire.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Co3O4/graphite/kaolin (5:3:2) compounds show desired magnetic and mechanical properties.

Materials & Design

Wives commonly complain and with justification that even if their spouses are otherwise responsible, they take them for granted and do not show desired romantic interest in them.

Huffington Post

In the last decades there has been a clear trend towards direct commercial production of specific proteins of interest that show desired biological activities.

Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology

They showed desire.

The New York Times - Sports

"Mass culture is a machine for showing desire," Roland Barthes wrote.

The New Yorker

China is big, it's coming on and it's willing to do heavy drugs, which always shows desire.

The New York Times - Sports

Jill (Amanda Peet), now his wife, has taken on Jimmy's mantle as torpedo, or is trying to; she shows desire, though not skill.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "show desire" to convey a visible or demonstrable expression of wanting something, whether it's an object, an outcome, or a relationship. Ensure the context makes it clear what the subject desires.

Common error

Avoid using "show desire" to describe a passive feeling. The phrase implies an active demonstration of wanting something. Instead of saying "He shows desire, but does nothing", clarify the action that demonstrates the desire: "He works tirelessly to achieve his goals, showing his desire for success."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "show desire" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to describe the act of outwardly displaying a feeling of wanting something. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is usable and understandable in English. Examples from Ludwig demonstrate its use in describing behaviors and intentions.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "show desire" is a grammatically correct and usable verb phrase in English, primarily used to describe the act of actively demonstrating a feeling of wanting something. According to Ludwig AI, it's a valid and understandable expression. While its frequency is uncommon, it appears across diverse contexts, especially in news, media, and science. The expression is best used to convey outward expressions of wanting, rather than passive feelings. Related phrases include "demonstrate eagerness" and "exhibit passion". Ludwig’s examples illustrate its application in describing intentions and motivations in various scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

demonstrate eagerness

Focuses on the active display of enthusiasm and willingness.

exhibit passion

Highlights the intensity and fervor in one's actions or expressions.

display enthusiasm

Emphasizes the visible expression of excitement and interest.

express motivation

Concentrates on conveying the underlying reasons and drive behind actions.

reveal ambition

Stresses the disclosure of a strong drive for achievement and success.

indicate willingness

Highlights the demonstration of readiness and consent.

manifest intent

Focuses on making one's purpose and plans evident.

project determination

Emphasizes the communication of resolve and persistence.

evince interest

Highlights the act of showing curiosity and concern.

betray longing

Implies an unintentional revealing of a deep yearning or desire.

FAQs

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

You can use "show desire" to describe someone actively demonstrating their wants or ambitions, as in "The team "showed desire" to win by playing aggressively".

What are some alternatives to "show desire"?

Alternatives to "show desire" include "demonstrate eagerness", "exhibit passion", or "display enthusiasm", each emphasizing a different aspect of expressing want or motivation.

Is "show desire" formal or informal?

"Show desire" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the surrounding language and situation.

How does "show desire" differ from "have desire"?

"Have desire" implies simply possessing a feeling of wanting something, while "show desire" suggests actively demonstrating or expressing that feeling through actions or words.