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Anonymous Posted 17 years ago
Grammar

Use of verb 'desire'

I'm wondering about the correct use of the verb 'desire.' Phrases such as "we desire to win" and "he desires to succeed " sound awkward. Are these examples of common usage? "We want to win," "we desire a win" and "he desires success," on the other hand, "we want to win" sound fine. Have my ears just not been around?

Signed, Grammar Geek
  

Top answer

Hi Anonymous GG, 'Desire' is certainly less common than 'want'. 'Desire' is stronger and also more formal/literary, isn't it? Tennessee Williams didn't write 'A Streetcar Named Want'.

— Clive

  • Hi Anonymous GG, 'Desire' is certainly less common than 'want'.
  • 'Desire' is stronger and also more formal/literary, isn't it?
  • Tennessee Williams didn't write 'A Streetcar Named Want'.
  • Clive
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2 Answers
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Hi Anonymous GG,

'Desire' is certainly less common than 'want'.

'Desire' is stronger and also more formal/literary, isn't it?

Tennessee Williams didn't write 'A Streetcar Named Want'.

Clive
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Clive'A Streetcar Named Want'.
Ummm... I think he's referring to the noun.
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