a common longing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a common longing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a shared desire or yearning that many people experience. Example: "In times of uncertainty, a common longing for peace and stability emerges among communities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

His goal is to show how each country, while individual, is linked by a common longing for something to define them.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

[It] loses itself horizontally, escapes from our hands as we see it withdraw from us toward a point of common longing and perfect passion".

The New Yorker

And my guess is that many of them will do just fine, as long as they aren't defensive or opaque and they permit enough of a view into their lives and hearts for voters to see — and identify with — a bedrock of common longings, a braid of recognizable frailties and frustrations.

The New York Times

(And since this is a dangerous placebo -- it contributes to the problem of bacterial resistance -- maybe it would be better, as Brown suggests, for doctors to "prescribe," as in write down, a suggestion to take an over-the-counter cold remedy. That way, they could assuage the common longing to leave a doctor's office with something in hand without contributing to a public health threat).

The New York Times - Magazine

I'm a woman of the people here, a common slag – longing to be embraced not just by drunken lager louts in grotty chippies, but politics too.

Vice

In our next post we'll look at "common longings" and "everyday connections" as pathways to God.

Huffington Post

In my last few posts, I've looked at ways these desires for God play out in our everyday lives, including incompletion, common longings and connections, uncommon longings, and exaltation and clarity.

Huffington Post

This experience, which many of us have had, as well as those that I've been discussing in my posts over the last few weeks -- experiences of incompletion; common longings and connections; uncommon longings; exaltation and clarity, desires to follow and desires for holiness; and now vulnerability -- are all ways of becoming aware of our innate desire for God.

Huffington Post

Mr. Lottering says some mixed-race people have criticized him for publicly airing the tensions between blacks and mixed-race people and describing the all-too-common longing for light skin and straight hair.

The New York Times

After recording and speaking to several individuals, Burton and Blogg quickly discovered that almost all of the songs and poems shared a common theme: Syria, and a longing for home.

The Guardian - Music

The subject of Pop's blues was a common one in pop: lust and longing, though Pop gilded the lily with the submissive subtext of his imagery, closing his eyes, feeling a hand, and wanting to be his lover's dog, servile and ready to please.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a common longing" when you want to emphasize a shared yearning or desire among a group of people. It suggests a deep, often unspoken, need or want.

Common error

Avoid using "a common longing" when a simple preference or interest is meant. "Longing" implies a strong, often emotional, desire.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a common longing" functions as a noun phrase. It identifies a shared feeling or desire. Ludwig AI confirms its use in reputable publications. The adjective "common" modifies the noun "longing", specifying that the longing is experienced by multiple individuals or entities.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

23%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a common longing" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that signifies a shared desire or yearning among a group. Ludwig AI shows that the phrase commonly appears in news and media sources. While adaptable to various contexts, it best suits writing that aims to evoke emotion or convey a sense of shared experience. When using the expression, it's important to ensure that the intensity of the word "longing" aligns with the intended meaning, differentiating it from simple preferences or interests.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a shared desire

Focuses on the aspect of wanting something together.

a collective desire

Focuses on the shared aspect of wanting something as a group.

a mutual desire

Highlights the shared aspect of wanting something.

a universal yearning

Emphasizes the widespread nature of the feeling.

a widespread yearning

Similar to universal yearning, but emphasizes a gentle desire.

a widespread desire

Emphasizes the extensive reach of a desire.

a collective aspiration

Highlights the group's ambition or goal.

a shared aspiration

Highlights the common goal or ambition of a group.

a collective yearning

Focuses on a shared feeling of intense longing.

a mutual craving

Conveys a strong and intense desire shared by many.

FAQs

What does "a common longing" mean?

The phrase "a common longing" describes a shared desire or yearning that is felt by a group of people. It suggests a deep and often emotional need or want that is not unique to an individual, but rather experienced collectively.

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

You can use "a common longing" to describe a shared desire for something abstract, like peace or understanding, or something more tangible, like a better life. For example: "There is "a common longing" for stability in the region."

What are some phrases similar to "a common longing"?

Similar phrases include "a shared desire", "a universal yearning", or "a collective aspiration". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a common longing" a formal or informal expression?

"A common longing" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it is generally more suited to writing that aims to evoke emotion or convey a sense of shared experience.