very desire

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "very desire" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It is not typically used in standard English, as "very" is an adverb that modifies adjectives or other adverbs, and "desire" is a noun. Example: "Her very desire to succeed drove her to work harder than anyone else."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

To embrace monarchy is to deny, absolutely, the very desire for equality.

The Guardian

He knew how to bring me back: by acknowledging the very desire that had driven me away.

The Guardian

And yet this very desire for authenticity has turned some of the last truly unreconstructed frontiersmen in America into that least authentic of creatures: the minor celebrity.

The New York Times - Magazine

The film begins by mocking the very desire for a nostalgic return to the days of the Raj that it then proceeds to emulate.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is this very desire for purity and authenticity that drives the whole wretched industry of New Age obscurantism and its multiple techniques of spiritual and material "detox," its quasi-cultic, multimillion-dollar grossing insistence on the Secret.

The New York Times

While I admittedly worry about the effects — both good and bad — of this desire, my concern in the piece was not with "abuses" of science but with the very desire itself and what it unconsciously represses.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Beyond this coldhearted calculus is my very real desire to connect with people.

The New York Times

"There's a very real desire from the Chinese government to have product development take place in China".

Forbes

But the joke hinted at Deadmau5's very real desire to escape the banality that plagues other main stage regulars.

Vice

They express a very real desire to see our transportation system serve our communities in a fundamentally different way.

Huffington Post

That leaves something to be desired, very desired.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

While "very desire" appears in some contexts, prefer alternatives like "strong desire" or "intense desire" for clearer and more standard English.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on "very" to intensify nouns. Instead, choose adjectives that inherently convey the desired strength or intensity. For instance, use "intense" or "burning" instead of "very" with "desire".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "very desire" functions as a noun phrase where "very" attempts to modify the noun "desire". However, as Ludwig indicates, it is not the most grammatically correct or common usage, and adjectives like "strong" or "intense" are preferred.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "very desire" appears in various sources, including reputable news outlets, it's not considered the most grammatically sound or idiomatic choice in modern English. Ludwig suggests that alternatives such as "strong desire" or "intense desire" are generally preferred for clearer communication. The frequency of this phrase is "common", but its grammatical status is considered "incorrect". Therefore, when aiming for precision and clarity, especially in formal writing, opt for more standard and accepted alternatives. The examples from Ludwig highlight how the phrase is used but also suggest the availability of better options to convey a similar meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intense longing

Replaces "desire" with "longing" and "very" with "intense", emphasizing the deep feeling.

strong yearning

Substitutes "desire" with "yearning" and "very" with "strong", highlighting a deep and persistent wish.

deep craving

Replaces "desire" with "craving" and "very" with "deep", suggesting a powerful and irresistible need.

burning ambition

Replaces "desire" with "ambition" and "very" with "burning", focusing on a strong drive for achievement.

powerful urge

Substitutes "desire" with "urge" and "very" with "powerful", highlighting a strong impulse.

consuming passion

Replaces "desire" with "passion" and "very" with "consuming", emphasizing a strong, all-encompassing emotion.

overwhelming want

Replaces "desire" with "want" and "very" with "overwhelming", suggesting a strong and uncontrollable need.

profound aspiration

Substitutes "desire" with "aspiration" and "very" with "profound", highlighting a deep and meaningful goal.

genuine inclination

Replaces "desire" with "inclination" and "very" with "genuine", focusing on a sincere tendency.

authentic longing

Replaces "desire" with "longing" and "very" with "authentic", highlighting a sincere and deeply felt desire.

FAQs

Is it grammatically correct to say "very desire"?

While not strictly ungrammatical, "very desire" is not the most natural or common way to express a strong feeling. Alternatives like "strong desire" or "intense desire" are typically preferred.

What's a more appropriate substitute for "very desire"?

Depending on the context, consider using phrases such as "strong desire", "intense desire", or even more evocative terms like "burning desire".

How can I use "desire" in a more grammatically sound phrase?

Use adjectives that commonly modify "desire", such as "strong", "intense", "deep", or "genuine". For example, "a strong desire for change" is more idiomatic than "a very desire for change".

What is the difference between "very desire" and "strong desire"?

"Very desire" is less common and may sound awkward to native English speakers. "Strong desire" is a more conventional and universally accepted way to express the same idea.