I long to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I long to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a strong desire or yearning for something. Example: "I long to travel the world and experience different cultures."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

I long to be pregnant again.

The New York Times

I long to be crucified".

The Guardian - Books

How I long to go somewhere else.

The Guardian - Books

I long to be a part of something like this.

Independent

This is a company I long to see again soon.

The New York Times - Arts

Oh, my mother, how I long to see you".

The New York Times

For once I long to be proved wrong.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I long to know which one of them did it.

The Guardian

I long to tell her things, ask her advice.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Oh my Lolita/ I long to meet yer.

The Guardian - Books

How I long to see Boris one last time!

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I long to" to express a deep, heartfelt desire or yearning. It's most effective in contexts where you want to convey a strong emotional connection to what you desire.

Common error

While "I long to" is grammatically correct, using it too frequently in everyday conversation can sound overly dramatic or affected. Reserve it for situations where you truly want to emphasize the depth of your desire.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I long to" functions as a verb phrase expressing a strong desire or yearning. It is used to convey a deep, emotional wish for something. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a correct and usable expression in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I long to" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to convey a deep and heartfelt desire. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. While primarily found in news and media, its usage extends to various contexts where expressing a strong emotional connection is desired. While the register is generally neutral it can be perceived as formal. To maintain effective communication, reserve its usage for contexts where you want to genuinely emphasize the intensity of your yearning. Alternatives like "I yearn to" and "I desire to" offer similar sentiments with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I yearn to

This alternative carries a slightly more intense and literary tone.

I desire to

This alternative is more formal and direct in expressing a wish.

I crave to

This alternative suggests a strong, almost physical need or want.

I wish to

This alternative is a polite and somewhat formal way of expressing a desire.

I am eager to

This alternative conveys enthusiasm and anticipation.

I am anxious to

This alternative suggests a sense of worry or eagerness in anticipation.

I'm dying to

This alternative is an informal way to express strong desire or impatience.

I can't wait to

This alternative expresses excitement and anticipation for something to happen.

My heart yearns for

This alternative is a poetic and emotional way of expressing a deep longing.

I ache to

This alternative is more dramatic and implies emotional pain from the longing.

FAQs

What does "I long to" mean?

The phrase "I long to" expresses a strong desire or yearning for something. It indicates a deep, heartfelt wish.

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

You can use "I long to" followed by a verb to express your desire, such as "I long to travel the world" or "I long to see my family again".

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

You can use alternatives like "I yearn to", "I desire to", or "I wish to" depending on the context.

Is "I long to" formal or informal?

"I long to" is generally considered more formal and literary than everyday expressions of desire. It is suitable for writing and situations where you want to convey a strong sense of yearning.