was desired

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was desired" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to indicate that someone or something was wanted or sought after. Example: The new iPhone model was highly desired by consumers, leading to long lines outside of stores on the release date.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The server asked if the appetizer- or entrée-size portion of pasta was desired.

The New York Times

It was fun for her to feel that she was desired".

The Guardian - Books

What was desired now, Sontag argued, was a more disinterested, inclusive appreciation.

The New Yorker

Mr. Safir ordered the case reinvestigated, and it was made clear that a different result was desired.

The New York Times

If such separation was desired, its purpose would have been served with "Cox and Shays each have".

The New York Times - Magazine

For all her lack of the camera-ready face of her friend Liz Taylor, Winters was desired.

The Guardian

A hairpin meant that a girl was desired, as did patches of colored cloth; a toy car indicated a wish for a boy.

The New Yorker

In any case, even if a high-tech solution was desired, there does not seem to be a vaccine for spinach as there is for cattle.

The New York Times - Health

This past summer, Daniel Raffel was desired.

TechCrunch

A brushless surface appearance was desired in most cases.

Heritage Science

Or put in terms of impact: was desired impact generated?

Language Testing in Asia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was desired", ensure the subject performing the desiring action is clear, either explicitly stated or easily inferred from the context.

Common error

Avoid ambiguity by clearly specifying who or what desired the action or object. For example, instead of saying "The result was desired", clarify with "The client desired the result" or "A positive result was desired by the team."

Linguistic Context

"Was desired" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that something was wanted or requested by someone. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use in written English. The examples provided demonstrate its usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

47%

News & Media

39%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was desired" is a grammatically sound and frequently used passive construction that indicates something was wanted or requested. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness and appropriateness across diverse contexts. Predominantly found in scientific and news-related sources, its formality ranges from neutral to professional. When employing this phrase, ensure the subject performing the desiring action is clear to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "was wanted" or "was requested" can provide slight variations in meaning or tone, depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was wanted

Replaces "desired" with a more common synonym, maintaining the passive voice.

was requested

Indicates a formal request, shifting the focus slightly from want to a formal ask.

was needed

Emphasizes the necessity of something rather than simply wanting it.

was required

Highlights a mandatory aspect, suggesting something was not just wanted but essential.

was sought after

Implies active searching or pursuit, adding a dynamic element to the wanting.

was in demand

Suggests high popularity or need among multiple parties.

was wished for

Adds a sense of longing or hope, emphasizing a personal desire.

was yearned for

Conveys a deep and emotional longing, intensifying the desire.

was the intention

Shifts the focus to the intended outcome or purpose.

met the criteria

Implies that something fulfilled the requirements or desires.

FAQs

How can I use "was desired" in a sentence?

Use "was desired" to indicate that something was wanted or requested. For example, "A specific outcome "was desired" by the stakeholders" or "The candidate "was desired" for their expertise".

What's a more formal alternative to "was desired"?

A more formal alternative could be "was requested" or "was required", depending on the context. "The information "was requested" by the committee" suggests a formal demand, while "Adherence "was required" to the guidelines" indicates a necessity.

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "was desired"?

Whether to use active or passive voice depends on the desired emphasis. Passive voice ("was desired") focuses on the object or outcome, while active voice ("they desired") focuses on the subject performing the action. Choose the structure that best suits the context and clarity you aim for.

What's the difference between "was desired" and "was needed"?

"Was desired" implies a wish or want, while "was needed" suggests a necessity. While similar, the latter carries a stronger sense of importance or requirement. "The upgrade "was desired"" suggests it was a preference, whereas "The upgrade "was needed"" implies it was essential for functionality.