wild desire

USAGE SUMMARY

'wild desire' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to describe a strong, intense emotion or want. For example, "Sam felt a wild desire to escape his dull job and explore the world".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

Bound by wild desire, I fell into a ring of fire".Wild desire is a mild overstatement, but there was certainly an abundance of goodwill behind the EU's decision to launch its European Neighbourhood Policy ENPP) in 2004.

The Economist

I had a sort of wild desire to invest in a bit of real estate on one of the planets".

The New Yorker

But, when I imagined spending my life among them, I felt a wild desire to escape to the ends of the earth.

The New Yorker

The New Yorker, January 24 , 1931 P. 25Tells of a wild desire to find a box and hide in it.

The New Yorker

By James Thurber The New Yorker, January 24 , 1931 P. 25Tells of a wild desire to find a box and hide in it.

The New Yorker

For many of us, it's a terrible time, with heavy-duty social pressure to join a clique, opposed by the equally wild desire to rebel.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

In Rohmer's world, love is a tenuous faith that is constantly being tested by the pressure of wild desires.

The New Yorker

"Such wild desires, I think it's recognizable / Are part and parcel of the Human Image," he muses.

The New York Times - Books

If ever there were a source for fulfilling a bibliophile's wildest desires, short of actually having feet planted in the world's largest bookstore and hands reaching for volume after volume, Forgotten Books is it.

Huffington Post

Does not our intense artistry drive you wild with desire?

The New York Times - Arts

As he tracks the final days of the Pacific conflict, wild with desire to get back to her, we sense his fundamental lack of understanding of the woman he will return to.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "wild desire" to effectively convey an intense and often untamed longing for something, whether it be a tangible object, an experience, or an abstract concept. This phrase is particularly impactful when describing strong emotions or motivations.

Common error

Avoid using "wild desire" in formal or professional writing where a more restrained or objective tone is required. Opt for phrases like "strong interest" or "keen aspiration" to maintain a professional demeanor.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "wild desire" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "wild" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "desire". It describes a particular quality or intensity of the desire itself. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "wild desire" is a noun phrase used to express an intense and often untamed longing or craving. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and appropriateness for use in a variety of contexts, although it's generally more suited to neutral or informal writing than strictly formal or academic settings. While sources like The New Yorker and The New York Times demonstrate its usage in news and media, it's important to consider alternatives like "intense craving" or "burning passion" to maintain the desired tone in different writing scenarios. Remember to avoid overuse in formal contexts where a more objective tone is required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intense craving

Focuses on the feeling of need and compulsion, shifting the emphasis from a general desire to a specific craving.

uncontrollable urge

Highlights the lack of control over the desire, emphasizing its impulsive nature.

burning passion

Emphasizes the emotional intensity and fervor associated with the desire.

consuming ambition

Shifts the focus to a desire for achievement and success, portraying it as all-encompassing.

fervent longing

Highlights the deep yearning and persistent nature of the desire.

overwhelming temptation

Focuses on the alluring and difficult-to-resist aspect of the desire.

irresistible impulse

Stresses the spontaneous and compelling nature of the desire.

powerful yearning

Emphasizes the profound sense of wanting and the emotional void it represents.

deep-seated craving

Suggests the desire is ingrained and fundamental, rooted in one's core being.

unbridled passion

Highlights the unrestrained and uninhibited nature of the desire.

FAQs

How can I use "wild desire" in a sentence?

You can use "wild desire" to describe an intense longing or craving for something. For example, "She felt a "wild desire" to travel the world" or "The artist had a "wild desire" to create something beautiful".

What are some alternatives to "wild desire"?

Alternatives to "wild desire" include "intense craving", "uncontrollable urge", or "burning passion" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "wild desire" too informal for academic writing?

While "wild desire" is acceptable in many contexts, it might be considered too informal for strict academic writing. Consider using more formal alternatives such as "strong aspiration" or "keen interest".

How does "wild desire" differ from "strong desire"?

"Wild desire" implies a more intense, untamed, and perhaps even irrational longing compared to the more neutral "strong desire". "Strong desire" simply indicates a significant level of wanting, whereas "wild desire" suggests an overwhelming and potentially uncontrollable urge.