we were desperate to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we were desperate to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a strong desire or urgent need to do something. Example: "We were desperate to find a solution before the deadline approached."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

"We were desperate to win".

Independent

We were desperate to do that.

Independent

We were desperate to impress him".

The Guardian - Sport

"We were desperate to do other things".

The Guardian - Music

"We were desperate to change that," Mr. Severs said.

The New York Times

We were desperate to come here and be ourselves.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

We are desperate to stay up".

Independent

We are desperate to win".

The Guardian - Sport

"We are desperate to grow the economy.

The Guardian - Business

We are desperate to see her again".

The Guardian

We are desperate to have this debate.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we were desperate to", consider the audience and the overall tone of your writing. In formal contexts, you may want to opt for a less emotionally charged alternative, such as "we were eager to" or "it was imperative for us to".

Common error

While "we were desperate to" effectively conveys urgency, overuse can diminish its impact and make your writing sound melodramatic. Vary your language by using alternatives like "we were eager to", "we felt compelled to", or "it was crucial for us to" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were desperate to" functions as a declarative statement expressing a strong desire or urgent need. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we were desperate to" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to convey a strong desire or urgent need. Ludwig AI analysis confirms that this phrase is considered appropriate for both writing and speaking purposes, although it might be too emotionally charged for a formal or academic context. While its most frequent contexts are news and media, it is appropriate to consider the audience and context when choosing to employ the phrase. Consider using alternatives if you want to convey a similar meaning with less intensity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we were eager to

Substitutes "desperate" with "eager", implying a strong enthusiasm rather than a sense of urgency or lack of options.

we were anxious to

Replaces "desperate" with "anxious", suggesting worry or nervousness alongside the desire.

we were keen to

Uses "keen" instead of "desperate", indicating a strong interest or enthusiasm without the implication of dire need.

we were determined to

Emphasizes resolve and firmness of purpose, shifting focus from desperation to commitment.

we had a strong desire to

Replaces the adjective "desperate" with a noun phrase, making the sentence more formal.

it was imperative for us to

Changes the structure to highlight the necessity of the action, rather than the feeling of desperation.

we felt compelled to

Shifts focus to an internal pressure or obligation, rather than desperation.

we had no choice but to

Indicates a lack of alternatives, emphasizing obligation over desire.

we were dying to

Uses a hyperbolic expression, emphasizing the strength of desire through exaggeration. More informal than the original phrase.

we yearned to

Replaces "desperate" with "yearned", suggesting a deep longing or wistful desire.

FAQs

How can I use "we were desperate to" in a sentence?

You can use "we were desperate to" to express a strong desire or urgent need to do something. For example, "After being stuck inside for weeks, "we were desperate to get out" and enjoy the sunshine."

What's a more formal alternative to "we were desperate to"?

If you're looking for a more formal alternative, consider using phrases like "it was imperative for us to" or "we felt compelled to". These options convey a sense of necessity without the emotional intensity of "we were desperate to".

What can I say instead of "we were desperate to" to sound less dramatic?

To sound less dramatic, you can use phrases like "we were eager to", "we were anxious to", or "we were keen to". These alternatives convey a strong desire without the implication of extreme urgency or lack of options.

Is "we were desperate to" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "we were desperate to" might be too emotionally charged for some formal writing contexts. Consider your audience and the desired tone. In formal reports or academic papers, a more neutral phrase like "it was essential for us to" may be more suitable.