we may desire

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we may desire" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a possibility or wish regarding what people might want or long for. Example: "In times of uncertainty, we may desire clarity and guidance to navigate our choices."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

But for policy purposes we may desire an estimate of the target population ATE.

Columbia University

We may desire that they abandon what we regard as outmoded superstitions, "see reason", become modern, liberal, secular.

The Guardian - Opinion

We may desire loving relationships in real life — if you believe the magazines, anyway — but in literature, they make for dull and static prose.

The New York Times - Books

He said: "The clear message from here today is that as much as we may desire 'normal' policing, we're in a situation that is anything but normal".

The Guardian

Unconstrained desire accounts of value seem implausible because our desires can be for all sorts of things we may desire things that are bad for us, or we may desire things because of some mistake we have made.

SEP

We may desire or dislike something directly or after weighing the benefits and harms of the available alternatives (A84).

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

A legal services organization may desire to host you.

Cornell University

After stopping to smell the roses, you may desire more vigorous activity.

The New York Times - Travel

What will happen after New Labour (for its passing, whatever Blair may desire, seems certain)?

The Guardian - Opinion

Finally, he may desire only to convert an already composed score into sound.

Encyclopedia Britannica

For example, one party may aim for evolution, while another may desire stability.

Economics-Driven Software Architecture

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When employing the expression "we may desire", be mindful of the context. It often implies a sense of possibility, aspiration, or a polite suggestion rather than a firm demand or expectation. Ensure your tone and surrounding language align with this nuance to effectively convey your intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "we may desire" in casual conversations or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "we want" or "we'd like" are more appropriate for such settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we may desire" functions as a modal verb phrase, expressing a degree of possibility, wish, or suggestion. It combines the modal verb 'may' indicating possibility with the verb 'desire' expressing a want or longing. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

27%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

13%

Wiki

11%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we may desire" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression used to convey a tentative wish, suggestion, or polite preference. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. While not as common as simpler alternatives like "we want", it adds a touch of formality and politeness, making it suitable for professional, academic, and neutral communication contexts. Its infrequent usage across various domains suggests it's a deliberate choice when a softer, more suggestive tone is required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we might wish

Replaces "may" with "might", suggesting a slightly lower probability or stronger sense of longing.

we could want

Substitutes "desire" with "want", indicating a more basic or less intense longing.

we might crave

Replaces "desire" with "crave", implying a stronger, almost urgent longing.

we may long for

Replaces "desire" with "long for", suggesting a sentimental or nostalgic yearning.

it is our wish

Restructures the phrase to emphasize the wish itself, rather than the act of desiring.

we aspire to

Replaces "desire" with "aspire to", focusing on a goal-oriented desire with effort and ambition.

we hope to

Uses "hope" instead of "desire", conveying optimism and anticipation rather than a strong longing.

we wish for

Expresses a desire in the form of a wish, often for something less tangible or realistic.

we aim for

Implies a strategic desire, where achieving a specific goal is the primary focus.

we seek to

Focuses on actively pursuing a desired outcome, suggesting a proactive approach.

FAQs

How can I use "we may desire" in a sentence?

The phrase "we may desire" is used to express a wish, suggestion, or possibility. For example: "For policy purposes, "we may desire" an estimate of the target population ATE."

What phrases are similar to "we may desire"?

Alternatives to "we may desire" include phrases like "we might wish", "we could want", or "we hope to", each conveying a slightly different nuance of wanting or wishing.

Is it correct to say "we may desired" instead of "we may desire"?

No, "we may desired" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "we may desire", as "may" is a modal verb that is followed by the base form of the verb.

What's the difference between "we may desire" and "we want"?

"We may desire" is more formal and suggests a wish or polite suggestion, while "we want" is more direct and indicates a stronger preference or need.