Long sought

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Long sought" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has been desired or pursued for a significant amount of time. Example: "After years of research, the scientists finally discovered the long sought cure for the disease."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

Basques have long sought autonomy.

Encyclopedia Britannica

excludes Hamas, which has long sought entry.

The New York Times

Glory days, "the realm long sought".

The Guardian - Books

They have long sought a "theory of everything".

The Economist

Western environmental groups have long sought such a measure.

The New York Times - Science

The new policy was long sought by investor advocates.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

The ability to analyse, interpret and ultimately predict cellular behaviour is a long sought-after goal.

BMC Systems Biology

The insula might be the long sought-after brain region for serotonin-mediated yawning.

Brain Structure and Function

The decade also brings long-sought-after literary acclaim.

The Economist

Also, a long-sought basketball arena was built on campus.

The New York Times

At last, Polanski's long-sought Oscar seemed within reach.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "Long sought" to describe objectives, qualities, or solutions that have been actively pursued or searched for over a considerable period. It adds a sense of historical effort and importance.

Common error

Avoid using "Long sought" for recently desired items or goals. The phrase implies a substantial duration of pursuit, and misusing it can diminish its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Long sought" functions primarily as an adjective modifying a noun, indicating that the noun has been the object of a prolonged search or desire. Ludwig AI indicates the expression is correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Long sought" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that functions as an adjective to describe something desired or pursued for a considerable time. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It is most frequently found in news and scientific contexts, indicating a neutral to slightly formal tone. When using this phrase, ensure that the context accurately reflects a significant duration of pursuit to maintain its intended impact. Consider alternatives like "desired for years" or "extensively pursued" depending on the specific shade of meaning you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Sought after for a long time

Rephrases to focus on the desire, adding explicit time.

Extensively pursued

Focuses on the act of chasing or trying to achieve something.

Yearned for over time

Emphasizes the emotional aspect of longing over a duration.

Desired for years

Highlights the element of desire with a specific timeframe.

A goal long pursued

Transforms the phrase into a noun phrase emphasizing the aim.

Earnestly desired for an extended time

Adds intensity to the desire and specifies the timeframe.

Something always strived for

Highlights the effort and persistence involved in achieving the goal.

Been after for a long period

Uses a more colloquial expression to convey persistent pursuit.

Continually aimed for

Emphasizes the continuous aspect of the pursuit.

Aimed at for a long duration

Highlights the sustained effort in aiming for something.

FAQs

How can I use "Long sought" in a sentence?

You can use "Long sought" to describe something that has been desired or pursued for a considerable amount of time. For example, "The scientists finally achieved the "long sought" cure for the disease".

What are some alternatives to "Long sought"?

Alternatives include "desired for years", "extensively pursued", or "yearned for over time", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "Long sought" in informal writing?

While "Long sought" is generally appropriate, more informal alternatives like "been after for a long period" might be more suitable for casual contexts.

What is the difference between "Long sought" and "highly desired"?

"Highly desired" emphasizes the intensity of the desire, while "Long sought" emphasizes the duration of the pursuit. The best choice depends on which aspect you want to highlight.