show desire for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "show desire for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a longing or wish for something, often in a more formal or literary context. Example: "She began to show desire for a more adventurous lifestyle, seeking new experiences and challenges."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

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

"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

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

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

BBC

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

The New Yorker

This is the end of "The Searchers", from John Ford and John Wayne in 1956 Mr Denby quotes Roland Barthes, who said, "Mass culture is a machine for showing desire".

The Economist

The IR detector shows desired sensitivity and linearity for monitoring analyte concentrations in the eluent after 2D separations.

Journal of Chromatography A

Observing the centennial of Hebrew Union in 1975, he said in an interview with The New York Times, "Jewish laymen, to an extent not imagined decades ago, show a desire for Jewish information and for systematic Jewish knowledge".

The New York Times

"We've still got three important games and if we show that desire for the cause, we'll be OK.

BBC

History books show that desire for adventure, even in the face of extreme danger, did not deter the likes of Columbus or Magellan.

BBC

Although Montgomery knew he was under consideration for Brigadier General, he did not publicly show any desire for the appointment.

Wikipedia

We started Earth Hour because we wanted to find a way for citizens to show their desire for action on climate change and their willingness to be part of that process.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "show desire for", ensure the subject's actions genuinely reflect a longing or need, not just a passing interest. This adds authenticity and depth to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "show desire for" when the context only implies a slight preference. Reserve this phrase for situations where the longing or need is evident and significant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "show desire for" functions as a verb phrase indicating the outward demonstration or expression of a strong feeling, wish, or need. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is considered grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "show desire for" is a grammatically correct and usable expression to indicate the outward manifestation of a strong feeling or wish. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase conveys a sense of active demonstration, setting it apart from merely possessing a desire. While its frequency is uncommon, the phrase is versatile, appearing in neutral to formal contexts such as news, science, and encyclopedic entries. To ensure clarity and impact, reserve its use for situations where the longing or need is evident and significant, and consider alternatives like "express a longing for" or "demonstrate a yearning for" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

express a longing for

Emphasizes a deep yearning or strong feeling of want.

demonstrate a yearning for

Highlights an explicit display of intense longing.

indicate a wish for

Suggests a formal or subtle expression of wanting something.

reveal an inclination toward

Implies a natural tendency or preference being made apparent.

exhibit a penchant for

Denotes a strong liking or habit that is being displayed.

display an appetite for

Highlights a strong enthusiasm or eagerness.

manifest a craving for

Emphasizes a strong, often uncontrollable, desire.

betray an eagerness for

Suggests an unintentional or subtle revelation of enthusiasm.

evince a thirst for

Implies a strong, driving need or desire, often for knowledge or experience.

portray a hunger for

Emphasizes an intense and persistent desire or need.

FAQs

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

You can use "show desire for" to indicate that someone is exhibiting a strong feeling or wish for something. For example, "The data /s/shows+a+need for increased funding for education".

What are some alternatives to "show desire for"?

You can use alternatives like "express a longing for", "demonstrate a yearning for", or "indicate a wish for" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "show desire for" or "express interest in"?

"Show desire for" implies a stronger, more active wanting than "express interest in". Use "show desire for" when the subject is actively pursuing or demonstrating their longing.

What's the difference between "show a desire for" and "have a desire for"?

"Show a desire for" emphasizes the outward manifestation of the feeling, while "have a desire for" simply states the existence of that feeling, without necessarily implying any outward expression.