substantial desire

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "substantial desire" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a strong or significant wish or longing for something. Example: "She had a substantial desire to travel the world and experience different cultures."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Mr. Levin, the Armed Services Committee chairman, said he detected substantial desire among his Republican colleagues to force a change in Iraq.

The New York Times

Besides such expressions of the importance of anonymity, a substantial desire to maintain privacy during VCT consultations also emerged in a large number of statements pertaining to the physical arrangement of the VCT facility.

BMC Health Services Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

After just one week of this newspaper's "campaign for democracy", it has become clear that there exists a real desire in this country for substantial electoral reform.

Independent

This significant difference (43% reduction, p < 0.001) was present across all test domains, and was most substantial in the desire, lubrication, and orgasm domains (Table 2).

BMC Women's Health

Communication of risk assessment results, however, may lead people to believe that their cancer risk is substantial and to desire medical tests.

Environmental Health Perspectives

That, she says, would be far better than relying on corporations and private investors who might have different priorities, not to mention a desire for substantial profits.

The New York Times

As the practice has become more commonplace, in addition to about 300 training programs in the US, respectable and sometimes even revered institutions of higher learning have gotten in on the act, with universities such as Harvard, Stanford, NYU and Columbia offering coaching classes or certificates for those with a substantial budget and a desire to learn.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"He has shown substantial progress, demonstrating outstanding desire to move his career forward.

BBC

The good news is that directors want to promote change: Our survey of nearly 200 U.S. corporate directors sitting on some 500 boards highlights a clear desire for substantial reform.

Forbes

During the follow-up, the proportion of carers of patients living at home who reported substantial strain or a desire for support for their caregiving decreased considerably.

BMC Nursing

For example, you might be offered a substantial financial reward for desiring something bad, or an evil demon might (credibly) threaten to kill your family unless you do so.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing abstract concepts like change or reform, using "substantial desire" helps convey the significant public or internal demand driving the need for such changes.

Common error

Avoid using "substantial desire" when the context suggests only a fleeting interest or a minor preference. Reserve it for situations where there is genuine, deep-seated motivation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "substantial desire" functions primarily as a noun phrase where the adjective "substantial" modifies the noun "desire". It describes the magnitude or intensity of a wish, longing, or need. Ludwig AI highlights its use in various contexts from news to science.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "substantial desire" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that effectively conveys a significant level of wanting or needing something. Ludwig AI confirms that it is found across various contexts, including news, science, and business. While alternatives like "considerable longing" or "significant aspiration" exist, the choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey. The phrase is suitable for both formal and informal communication, though slightly leaning towards formality. Ensure its use aligns with genuine, deep-seated motivation rather than superficial interest.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

considerable longing

Replaces "desire" with "longing" and "substantial" with "considerable", altering the intensity slightly.

significant aspiration

Substitutes "desire" with "aspiration", indicating a goal-oriented wish, and "substantial" with "significant", keeping the magnitude.

strong wish

Replaces "substantial" with "strong", focusing more directly on the intensity of the wish.

intense yearning

Replaces "desire" with "yearning", emphasizing a deep emotional longing, and "substantial" with "intense", amplifying the feeling.

deep-seated craving

Changes "desire" to "craving", which suggests a strong, almost uncontrollable want, and uses "deep-seated" to convey a fundamental aspect.

marked inclination

Replaces "desire" with "inclination", suggesting a tendency or preference, and "substantial" with "marked", indicating a noticeable degree.

profound appetite

Substitutes "desire" with "appetite", which is fitting when desire is oriented towards something material. The use of "profound" captures its significance.

notable ambition

Replaces "desire" with "ambition", suggesting a strong drive for achievement and "substantial" with "notable", keeping the magnitude.

serious intention

Shifts the focus to intention, implying a plan or purpose behind the desire, and uses "serious" to emphasize commitment.

real hunger

Swaps "desire" with "hunger", suggesting a fundamental need, and using "real" to amplify its presence.

FAQs

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

You can use "substantial desire" to express a strong wish or longing for something. For example: "There is a "considerable longing" in the community for improved healthcare services."

What's the difference between "substantial desire" and "strong wish"?

"Substantial desire" emphasizes the magnitude or significance of the desire, whereas "strong wish" focuses on the intensity. They are often interchangeable, but "substantial desire" might be preferred when the desire has broader implications or impact.

What can I say instead of "substantial desire"?

You can use alternatives like "considerable longing", "significant aspiration", or "intense yearning" depending on the context.

Is "substantial desire" formal or informal?

"Substantial desire" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although it may sound slightly more formal than alternatives like "real hunger". The appropriateness depends on the overall tone and audience.