I long for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'I long for' is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is used to express a strong desire or yearning for something. Example sentence: I long for the day when I can travel freely again without any restrictions.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's what I long for".

The New Yorker

I long for Jiminy Cricket.

The New York Times

I long for one".

The New York Times - Magazine

I long for her.

The New York Times - Magazine

I long for news.

The New York Times - Arts

"That's what I long for," he said.

The New York Times

It's something that I long for.

The New Yorker

Oh, I long for time alone.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I long for him to shut up.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I long for a shift in the pattern.

The New Yorker

While I can't have you, I long for you.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I long for" to express a deep and often wistful desire for something that is not immediately attainable. It adds emotional depth to your writing.

Common error

While "I long for" is grammatically correct, avoid using it excessively in business or technical writing. Opt for more direct expressions of desire or need in professional settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I long for" functions as a verb phrase expressing a strong desire or yearning. Ludwig provides examples where it's used to convey a deep emotional connection to something desired but often unattainable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Lifestyle

15%

Opinion

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I long for" is a common and grammatically correct way to express a deep desire or yearning. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in written English. Predominantly found in News & Media and Lifestyle contexts, this phrase adds emotional depth to writing, conveying a sense of wistfulness. While versatile, it's best to avoid overuse in highly formal or technical contexts, opting for more direct alternatives. Related phrases include "I yearn for" and "I crave", offering subtle variations in intensity and tone. Remember, this powerful expression is most effective when used thoughtfully to convey a genuine sense of longing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I yearn for

Emphasizes a deep and persistent longing, often for something unattainable.

I crave

Implies a strong desire or need, often physical or emotional.

I desire

A more formal and general term for wanting something strongly.

I hunger for

Suggests a strong and fundamental need, similar to physical hunger.

I pine for

Conveys a sense of sadness and wistfulness in longing.

I wish for

A more gentle and hopeful expression of wanting something.

I have a longing for

Expresses the sentiment as a noun, indicating a persistent feeling.

I am eager for

Indicates enthusiasm and anticipation for something to happen.

I thirst for

Suggests a very strong desire, particularly for knowledge or experience.

I am dreaming of

Expresses a wish that may not be realistic, and has more of a daydream quality.

FAQs

What does "I long for" mean?

The phrase "I long for" expresses a strong and often wistful desire or yearning for something. It suggests a deep emotional connection to the object of longing.

What can I say instead of "I long for"?

You can use alternatives like "I yearn for", "I crave", or "I desire" depending on the context and the intensity of the emotion you want to convey.

Is "I long for" formal or informal?

"I long for" is generally considered a neutral to slightly formal expression. While it can be used in everyday conversation, it is more common in writing or more deliberate speech.

How to use "I long for" in a sentence?

You can use "I long for" followed by the object of your desire. For example, "I long for the day when we can travel again" or "I long for a peaceful resolution to this conflict".