I long for that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I long for that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a strong desire or yearning for something specific. Example: "After years of living in the city, I long for that peaceful countryside life I once knew."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

I long for that ice-bright light, skies of pale blue and soft grey light that is at once calm and gentle, fresh and crisp.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Massimiliano Gioni, a curator based in Milan and New York, who is overseeing the Gwangju biennial, which opens in South Korea in September, recalls that the avant-garde was "built on a transnational community of kindred spirits," adding, "sometimes I long for that".

The Economist

It will never recreate that summer morning for me and every time I bring up a new Zelda game I long for that squeaking green top-down figure bopping merrily across Hyrule.

TechCrunch

I long for that burden.

Huffington Post

Oh how I long for that day.

Huffington Post

I long for that feeling to not feel at all.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

I wrote back that I longed for that kind of invasive gift.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I longed for that kind of bravery in this "King Lear," as I grew increasingly consumed by questions about what was happening onstage and why.

The New Yorker

When people would start a conversation about how tiny Peyton looked, I longed for that moment to pipe in with the names, Parker and Abby.

HuffPost

They don't fuck!" I longed for that a little bit, just for the feeling of being original and off the beaten path.

Huffington Post

I long for leadership that seeks to unite our people around issues of deep concern to all of us.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I long for that" when you want to express a strong personal yearning for something that is currently absent or unattainable.

Common error

Avoid using "I long for that" in highly formal or professional writing. Opt for more neutral phrases like "I hope for that" or "I anticipate that" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I long for that" functions as an expression of desire or yearning. According to Ludwig, it is a grammatically correct way to convey a strong personal want for something. The examples provided by Ludwig highlight its usage in expressing desires for peace, connection, or a past experience.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Lifestyle

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I long for that" is a grammatically sound and emotionally charged way to express a deep yearning or desire. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's well-regarded in the English language. While it appears most frequently in news and lifestyle contexts, it's essential to consider the register and audience. In more formal settings, alternatives like "I hope for that" or "I anticipate that" might be more appropriate. Remember, while "I want that" expresses a simple desire, "I long for that" conveys a much deeper and more personal sense of wanting. By understanding these nuances, you can use the phrase effectively to communicate your feelings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I yearn for that

Synonymous, but emphasizes a deeper, more emotional yearning.

I crave that

Implies a strong, almost physical desire.

I desire that

More formal and less intense than "long for".

I pine for that

Suggests a melancholic longing, often for something unattainable.

I hunger for that

Emphasizes a deep need or craving.

I wish for that

A more general expression of wanting something.

I dream of that

Suggests a longing for something that may be unrealistic or in the future.

I hope for that

Expresses a desire with an expectation of possible fulfillment.

I'm eager for that

Indicates a strong anticipation and excitement.

I anticipate that

Focuses on looking forward to something with expectation.

FAQs

What does "I long for that" mean?

It means you have a strong desire or yearning for something. It expresses a deep sense of wanting something that you currently don't have.

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

You can use alternatives like "I yearn for that", "I crave that", or "I desire that" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "I long for that" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "I long for that" is generally more suitable for informal or creative writing. In formal contexts, consider alternatives like "I hope for that" or "I anticipate that".

What's the difference between "I long for that" and "I want that"?

"I want that" expresses a simple desire, while "I long for that" conveys a much deeper and more emotional yearning. The latter suggests a sense of absence and a strong personal connection to the object of desire.