Learning how to use the right preposition with specific adjectives is essential for achieving fluency in English. One such adjective that often confuses learners is ‘desirous.’ While it may not be as commonly used in everyday conversation as words like wanting or eager, it remains a correct and formal way to express desire. Knowing which preposition pairs with desirous can enhance your writing and improve clarity. This topic focuses on understanding desirous and the correct preposition that follows it in various contexts. By examining real examples and grammar rules, you will gain the confidence to use ‘desirous’ accurately in your own sentences.
Understanding the Word ‘Desirous’
The adjective ‘desirous’ means having or showing desire for something. It is most often used in formal or literary English and is typically followed by a preposition to link it to the object of the desire.
Definition and Tone
Desirous implies a strong wish or longing for something. It is similar to words like eager, longing, or yearning. However, desirous carries a more formal or old-fashioned tone and is usually found in written English more than in casual speech.
Examples Without Preposition
On its own, the word desirous doesn’t complete the idea. For example:
- Incorrect: She was desirous.
- Incomplete: The team felt desirous.
Both sentences leave the reader wondering: Desirous of what?
The Correct Preposition with ‘Desirous’
The correct preposition that follows desirous isof.This pairing is consistent across different uses and tenses. Desirous of means having a strong desire for something.
Examples of Desirous of
- She was desirous of making a good impression on her first day.
- The general was desirous of victory at any cost.
- They were desirous of peace after years of conflict.
As you can see, desirous of is always followed by a noun or a noun phrase. It connects the desire to a specific goal, object, or outcome.
Why Use Desirous of Instead of Just Want?
While ‘want’ or ‘wish’ may seem simpler, desirous of can add formality and richness to your writing. It can be especially useful in academic, legal, or literary texts where tone and nuance are important.
Comparing Formality
- Informal: He wants a promotion.
- Formal: He is desirous of a promotion.
Both sentences communicate the same idea, but the second sounds more refined and formal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using the Wrong Preposition
Some learners mistakenly use ‘for’ or ‘to’ with ‘desirous.’ These are incorrect.
- Incorrect: She was desirous for success.
- Incorrect: He is desirous to leave the city.
Always use desirous of when following the adjective with the object of desire.
Using with Infinitives
Desirous is not typically followed by an infinitive verb (to + verb). Instead, use a noun or noun phrase.
- Incorrect: She was desirous to help.
- Correct: She was desirous of helping.
Using Desirous of with Gerunds
In addition to nouns, desirous of can also be followed by gerunds (verbs ending in -ing that function as nouns). This allows more flexibility in sentence construction.
Examples with Gerunds
- The students were desirous of learning new skills.
- He was desirous of winning the competition.
Synonyms and Alternative Phrases
If desirous of feels too formal or outdated, there are other options you can use, depending on the tone you want to convey.
Common Alternatives
- Eager for
- Keen on
- Interested in
- Wishing for
Examples with Alternatives
- She was eager for a new challenge. (Informal)
- They were keen on starting a new project. (Neutral)
- He was interested in joining the committee. (Polite)
While these expressions are more common in modern usage, desirous of still holds value in formal settings.
Practical Exercises and Examples
Fill in the Blanks
- The young artist was desirous ___ recognition. (Answer: of)
- We are desirous ___ improving our customer service. (Answer: of)
- She was desirous ___ meeting the author in person. (Answer: of)
Sentence Correction
Identify and fix the errors in these sentences:
- Incorrect: He was desirous for better opportunities.
Correct: He was desirous of better opportunities. - Incorrect: They are desirous to succeed.
Correct: They are desirous of success.
The phrase desirous of is a useful tool in English, especially when trying to express a strong or formal desire. It should always be followed by a noun, noun phrase, or gerund, and not an infinitive. By understanding its proper use, you can enrich your vocabulary and produce more precise and polished writing. While less common in casual conversation, desirous of remains relevant in many forms of written and formal spoken English. Practice using it with the correct preposition and in a variety of contexts to master its usage and integrate it naturally into your language skills.