a deep longing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a deep longing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a strong desire or yearning for something, often in a poetic or emotional context. Example: "She felt a deep longing for the days of her childhood, filled with laughter and innocence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

A deep longing for this past permeates every story.

The New Yorker

Human beings have a deep longing to live together in harmony.

The Washington Post

Gwenno gave me "hiraeth", a Welsh word which loosely translates as a "deep longing for home".

The Guardian - Music

But there was still a deep longing in Mr. Pilco, and trouble ahead.

The New York Times

Most importantly, Germany's annexation of Alsace-Lorraine aroused a deep longing for revenge in the French people.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Around our table, Phu Quoc and its signature product were spoken about with reverence and a deep longing.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

He understands that some customers are merely after the best sex doll they can get their hands on, but there is often a deeper longing behind an order.

Independent

But her decision to go to Miami may reflect a deeper longing that has stirred her ever since she became attorney general, her associates said, a desire to demonstrate that federal law can be used on behalf of children and families -- a promise that her critics have complained has resulted in better speeches than programs at the Justice Department.

The New York Times

Becoming a father met his deep longing to have a settled family life.

The Guardian

"There was a sense of deep, deep longing before 'Stop-Loss,' " she said.

The New York Times

It flows directly from the emotion of the character and strikes a universal chord of deep longing.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a deep longing" to evoke a strong emotional yearning, often for something unattainable or lost. It's particularly effective in literary or reflective contexts.

Common error

While "a deep longing" is appropriate in creative writing, avoid using it in technical or business contexts where direct and objective language is preferred. Opt for phrases like "strong need" or "significant desire" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a deep longing" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It expresses a state of yearning or strong desire. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability, highlighting its capacity to evoke strong emotional responses.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Academia

7%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a deep longing" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase that conveys a strong emotional yearning or desire. According to Ludwig AI, its usage is appropriate across various contexts, particularly in creative writing and personal narratives. While it appears most often in News & Media, its appearance in academia and encyclopedias shows its versatile applicability. When considering alternatives, options such as "a profound yearning" or "an intense desire" offer similar meanings with subtle shifts in emotional intensity. When using this phrase, remember to harness its emotional power while ensuring its appropriateness for the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a profound yearning

Replaces "longing" with "yearning" and "deep" with "profound", intensifying the emotional aspect.

an intense desire

Shifts focus to "desire", highlighting the strength of the wish rather than the emotional ache.

a strong yearning

Emphasizes strength of the yearning, keeping a similar emotional tone.

a powerful craving

Uses "craving" to suggest a more physical or urgent need.

an overwhelming desire

Suggests the desire is so strong it's difficult to resist or ignore.

a fervent wish

Implies a passionate and sincere hope.

a burning desire

Uses "burning" to convey intensity and passion.

a heartfelt yearning

Highlights the sincerity and emotional depth of the yearning.

a persistent ache

Focuses on the constant, underlying sense of lack or desire.

a wistful yearning

Adds a sense of melancholy or regret to the yearning.

FAQs

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

You can use "a deep longing" to describe a strong desire for something. For example, "She felt "a deep longing" for her childhood home".

What are some alternatives to "a deep longing"?

Some alternatives include "a profound yearning", "an intense desire", or "a strong yearning", each carrying slightly different nuances.

When is it appropriate to use "a deep longing" in writing?

"A deep longing" is most appropriate in creative writing, personal essays, or contexts where emotional depth is desired. It may be less suitable for formal or technical writing.

What's the difference between "a deep longing" and "a strong desire"?

"A deep longing" often implies a sense of sadness or wistfulness associated with the desire, while "a strong desire" simply emphasizes the intensity of the wish without necessarily suggesting emotional pain.