I was longing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was longing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a strong desire or yearning for something in the past. Example: "I was longing for the days when we would spend our summers by the beach."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

(SUD + ASD 2) I was longing for a relationship for a long time, because that's the standard.

BMC Psychiatry

I was longing to brand myself with his name for a very long time".

The Guardian

I have lived in this town for a long time, but I was raised in Bakersfield, California, a town I was longing to flee by the age of ten.

The New Yorker

I was longing for the Bee Gees.

The New Yorker

"I was longing to do something fresh.

The New York Times

I was longing to throw myself into these Turner paintings".

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

"Now I'm longing for a massage".

The New York Times - Sports

I am longing to see them again, and my congregation".

Independent

I am longing to see something of life".

The New York Times - Books

Every yeAndI flirt with allhabetheation, and attempt to organize the packets chronologically, only, at the end, simply to pile them into heaps.

The New Yorker

"I'm longing to go to Japan," Brooks says.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I was longing" to express a deep, persistent desire for something that was absent or unattainable at the time. This emphasizes the emotional weight of the yearning.

Common error

Avoid using "I am longing" when referring to a past event. "I was longing" correctly places the desire in the past, while "I am longing" refers to a current desire.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was longing" functions as an intransitive verb phrase expressing a state of yearning or desire in the past. Ludwig examples showcase its use in describing past emotions and aspirations. The longing refers to a sustained, emotional desire.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

82%

Science

9%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I was longing" effectively conveys a past state of yearning or intense desire. According to Ludwig, its usage is grammatically correct and common, especially within news and media sources. While generally neutral in register, it carries a personal and emotional tone. Alternatives such as "I yearned" or "I craved" can be used to express similar sentiments. It's crucial to maintain proper tense to avoid confusing past and present desires. Using "I was longing" correctly adds depth to descriptions of past emotional experiences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I was yearning

Single word change. Alternative continuous form of the verb, emphasizing the duration of the feeling.

I yearned

Single word change. A more concise synonym for "I was longing".

I was craving

Single word change. Indicates a powerful and often urgent need.

I craved

Single word change. Suggests a strong desire, often for something specific.

I was dying to

Phrase change. Emphasizes the intensity of the desire.

I desired

Single word change. A more formal synonym, indicating a wish or want.

I had a strong desire

Phrase expansion. Adds emphasis to the feeling of wanting something.

I wished

Single word change. Simple expression of a desire for something to be different.

I was eager

Phrase change. Suggests enthusiasm and anticipation.

I was hoping

Single word change. Conveys a wishful expectation.

FAQs

How can I use "I was longing" in a sentence?

You can use "I was longing" to describe a past desire. For example, "I was longing for the summer to arrive during the cold winter months".

What's the difference between "I was longing" and "I am longing"?

"I was longing" refers to a desire in the past, while "I am longing" refers to a current desire. Choose the tense based on when the longing occurred.

What can I say instead of "I was longing"?

You can use alternatives like "I yearned", "I craved", or "I desired", depending on the context and intensity of the desire.

Is "I have been longing" grammatically correct?

Yes, "I have been longing" is grammatically correct. It indicates a desire that started in the past and continues to the present. For example, "I have been longing to visit Japan for many years".