a longing for

USAGE SUMMARY

"a longing for" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You could use it to describe a feeling of deep desire for something, such as in the sentence: "She had a longing for adventure."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A longing for more.

The New York Times

I have a longing for community.

Independent

Ms. Madden saw a longing for stability.

The New York Times

What is a longing for passion a longing for?

The Guardian - Books

And a longing for his mum's return.

The Guardian - Books

It's a longing for a calling.

The Guardian - Music

"Indians have a longing for that pure, beautiful white skin.

The Washington Post

A longing for ol' blue eyes or clear blue skies?

The New York Times

But depopulation also creates a longing for radical solutions.

The New Yorker

The misery he had was a longing for home.

Yale University

A longing for academia gnawed at him, though.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a longing for", consider the specific nuance you wish to convey. Alternatives like "yearning" or "craving" can subtly shift the emotional weight of your sentence. Ensure your word choice aligns with the overall tone and purpose of your writing.

Common error

While "a longing for" is widely accepted, overuse in formal or business writing can sound overly sentimental. Opt for more neutral alternatives like "a desire for" or "an interest in" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a longing for" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It expresses a state of yearning or intense desire, as demonstrated in Ludwig examples, indicating an emotional need or aspiration.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a longing for" is a versatile noun phrase used to express deep emotional yearning or desire. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and appears most frequently in News & Media and Academic sources. While widely accepted, it's crucial to consider the context and tone of your writing, as the emotional weight of this phrase might not always be suitable for formal or business settings. Alternatives such as "a yearning for" or "a desire for" may be more appropriate depending on the intended nuance. As such, understanding the function, purpose, and register of "a longing for" ensures effective and impactful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a yearning for

This alternative suggests a deep and persistent desire, often tinged with sadness.

a craving for

This implies a strong and urgent desire, often for something specific.

a desire for

This is a more general and less intense expression of wanting something.

an appetite for

This suggests a keen interest or enthusiasm for something, often intellectual or experiential.

a thirst for

This implies a strong and unquenchable desire, often for knowledge or experience.

a passion for

This suggests a strong and enthusiastic feeling of love or interest in something.

a hankering for

This implies a casual and often whimsical desire, typically for something nostalgic or comforting.

an inclination toward

This suggests a tendency or preference for something, rather than a strong desire.

a proclivity for

This indicates a natural or habitual tendency toward something.

a predisposition to

This suggests a susceptibility or vulnerability to something.

FAQs

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

You can use "a longing for" to express a deep desire or yearning for something. For example: "She felt "a longing for" her childhood home", or "The refugees expressed "a longing for" peace".

What are some alternatives to "a longing for"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "a yearning for", "a craving for", or "a desire for". Choose the alternative that best fits the specific emotion you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "a longing for" and "a desire for"?

"A longing for" implies a deeper, more emotional yearning than "a desire for". "Desire" is a more general term, while "longing" suggests a sense of loss or unfulfillment. Therefore, use "a longing for" when expressing a deep, emotional need, and "a desire for" when expressing a general wish.

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

It's appropriate to use "a longing for" when you want to evoke a sense of deep emotional yearning, nostalgia, or unfulfilled desire. It is often used in literary or creative writing, but it can also be used in other contexts where expressing strong emotions is appropriate. However, avoid overuse in very formal or business writing, consider "a desire for" instead.