very desirous

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "very desirous" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a strong desire or longing for something. Example: "She was very desirous of a promotion after years of hard work and dedication."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

"Our people are very desirous to get these benefits to the people that deserve them".

The New York Times

"The media has been very desirous that a black quarterback do well.

The New York Times - Sports

"The British clearly have that as a goal, and they are very desirous of that," he said.

The New York Times

"The media has been very desirous that a black quarterback can do well -- black coaches and black quarterbacks doing well.

The New York Times - Sports

"The media has been very desirous that a black quarterback do well," Limbaugh said during a broadcast then.

The New York Times - Sports

"Mr. Winchell is very desirous of getting some privacy, and he hopes the newsspapers will respect his wish".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

"He didn't seem like he was a drug person at all, but rather a person that was misunderstood, really desirous of becoming a physician.

The New York Times

In a meeting on Tuesday, the judge told the parties: "We're now entering the remedy phase, and I am very much desirous of having an appellate panel take a look at my work product so far, and would prefer if we were able to conclude the remedy phase on a fast track".

The New York Times

The outcome of this paper is very useful for manufacturers desirous to develop open step precision winding systems.

Fashion and Textiles

The outcome of this work is very useful for manufacturers desirous to develop step precision winding systems.

Fashion and Textiles

In contrast to so many other actresses, she seemed as desiring as desirous, with the gift of a thrillingly unladylike appetite.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "very desirous", consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing. While grammatically correct, it may come across as overly formal or antiquated in some contexts. Choose synonyms like "extremely eager" or "keenly wanting" if a more modern or casual tone is desired.

Common error

Avoid using "very desirous" in informal communication or when addressing a contemporary audience. Its formality might create distance or sound unnatural in everyday conversation. Opt for simpler, more direct alternatives.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "very desirous" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun or pronoun to describe someone or something having a strong desire. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and used to express a strong wish or longing.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

24%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "very desirous" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express a strong desire or longing. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is considered correct and usable. However, its slightly formal and somewhat antiquated tone means it's more suitable for formal writing than casual conversation. While phrases like "extremely eager" or "keenly wanting" might be more common in contemporary English, "very desirous" remains a valid option when a more elevated style is desired. Knowing its context and potential impact on the reader is crucial for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extremely eager

Implies enthusiasm and impatience in addition to desire; more common and less formal.

highly wanting

Similar in intensity, but slightly less common; may sound somewhat unusual to modern ears.

intensely longing

Emphasizes the emotional aspect of yearning; conveys a sense of sadness or wistfulness.

keenly yearning

Highlights a deep sense of longing and is more poetic or literary.

passionately craving

Focuses on an intense and often physical desire; more dramatic and emotionally charged.

earnestly wishing

Conveys a sincere and heartfelt desire; more formal and polite.

greatly aspiring

Emphasizes ambition and the pursuit of a goal; suitable when the desire is for achievement.

ardently desiring

Highlights the intensity and fervor of the desire, often associated with romantic feelings.

strongly inclined

Suggests a predisposition or leaning towards something; less intense than "desirous".

eagerly anticipating

Focuses on looking forward to something with excitement; implies a future event.

FAQs

How can I use "very desirous" in a sentence?

You can use "very desirous" to express a strong wish or longing for something. For example: "She was very desirous of a promotion after years of hard work" or "They were very desirous of reaching an agreement."

What are some alternatives to "very desirous"?

Alternatives include "extremely eager", "highly wanting", or "intensely longing". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired tone.

Is "very desirous" a common phrase?

According to Ludwig, the phrase "very desirous" is not as common as other similar expressions like "very eager" or "very willing". It's more likely to appear in formal writing or historical texts.

What's the difference between "very desirous" and "very eager"?

"Very desirous" implies a strong sense of wanting or longing, while "very eager" suggests enthusiasm and impatience. "Desirous" focuses on the desire itself, whereas "eager" emphasizes the anticipation of fulfilling that desire.