to be desirable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be desirable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing qualities, attributes, or characteristics that are sought after or valued in a person, object, or situation. Example: "In a competitive job market, having strong communication skills is essential to be desirable to potential employers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is not fair to call it a desire, because on Raz's account we desire things for reasons we take the object of our desire to be desirable.

SEP

Marsden considers devolution to be desirable, irrespective of potential cuts.

The Guardian

There is always something that is going to be desirable on the car".

The New York Times

In fact, they never really found such men to be desirable.

The New York Times - Books

Most young women are endlessly groomed to be desirable after all.

The Guardian - Opinion

And has to be desirable for the next owners to live in," Mr. Nichols said.

The New York Times

Among these concepts, optimal proportionality and optimal weak proportionality appear to be desirable fairness concepts.

Artificial Intelligence

A gasoline tax was considered by some to be desirable but there was much opposition to it.

The New Yorker

In most religious communities and for most persons, a combination of public and private worship appears to be desirable.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Such a provision appears to be desirable by the regulators as it relates to simple rules and has administrative convenience.

Building and Environment

Giving mental respite to a disturbed child or a dementia-stricken adult through pleasure rather than pharmaceuticals has to be desirable wherever possible.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to be desirable", consider the specific context to ensure it aligns with the intended meaning of attraction, preference, or advantage. For instance, in marketing, something might "to be desirable" due to its perceived value, while in personal relationships, it may be due to shared interests.

Common error

Avoid using "to be desirable" in very informal conversations. Opt for more casual alternatives like "appealing" or "attractive" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be desirable" functions as an infinitive phrase, often used as a predicate adjective complementing a verb like "is", "seems", or "considered". It describes a quality or state that is attractive, advantageous, or preferred. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

38%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Academia

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to be desirable" is a grammatically correct and frequently used infinitive phrase that expresses a quality of attractiveness, advantage, or preference. Ludwig AI validates its proper usage across diverse contexts, from news and media to scientific and academic writing. While versatile, it's important to consider the tone, using more casual alternatives in informal settings. Its prevalence in authoritative sources reinforces its reliability and adaptability in formal and neutral discourse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be attractive

Focuses more directly on physical or aesthetic appeal.

to be appealing

Suggests a broader sense of attraction, not necessarily physical.

to be sought after

Emphasizes the act of others actively seeking it out.

to be coveted

Implies a strong desire or envy from others.

to be preferable

Highlights the aspect of being favored over other options.

to be advantageous

Focuses on the benefits or advantages it offers.

to be advisable

Suggests that it is a recommended or sensible course of action.

to be valuable

Highlights the worth or importance of something.

to be in demand

Focuses on the market aspect of wanting something.

to be well-regarded

Indicates that something is viewed positively by others.

FAQs

How can I use "to be desirable" in a sentence?

You can use "to be desirable" to describe qualities or outcomes that are attractive or advantageous. For example, "Strong communication skills are considered "to be desirable" in many professions".

What are some alternatives to "to be desirable"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "to be appealing", "to be attractive", or "to be sought after".

Is it always appropriate to use "to be desirable" in academic writing?

Yes, "to be desirable" is generally appropriate for academic writing, particularly when discussing goals, outcomes, or characteristics that are preferred or advantageous within a specific field of study. Ensure that the specific context warrants its use.

What's the difference between "to be desirable" and "to be necessary"?

"To be desirable" implies that something is advantageous or attractive but not essential, while "to be necessary" implies that something is essential or required. Something that is "to be desirable" improves a situation, while something that is necessary is indispensable.