"urge" vs "urge to"

Question

"urge" vs "urge to"

Both 'urge to' and 'urge' are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Urge to' is followed by a verb, indicating a desire or impulse to do something. 'Urge' alone can be used as a noun to refer to a strong desire or impulse without specifying the action. They are not directly comparable as they serve different purposes.

Last Updated: March 17, 2024

Use 'urge' as a noun to refer to a strong desire or impulse without specifying the action. It stands alone without being followed by a verb.

Examples:

She felt a strong urge to succeed.
He had an urge to explore new opportunities.
The urge to help others was strong in him.
I couldn't resist the urge to buy that dress.
Do you ever experience the urge to travel?

Alternatives:

strong desire
impulse
compulsion
craving
longing

Use 'urge to' when you want to express a strong desire or impulse to do something. It is followed by a verb.

Examples:

I have an urge to eat chocolate.
She felt an urge to travel the world.
He resisted the urge to shout.
There was an urge to run away from the situation.
Do you ever feel the urge to dance in the rain?

Alternatives:

feel the urge to
have the urge to
experience the urge to
sense the urge to
get the urge to

Answer 1

urge

This noun is correct and commonly used in English.

Answer 2

urge to

This construction is correct and commonly used in English.

"urge" vs "urge to"

urge

urge to

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