aching desire

USAGE SUMMARY

"aching desire" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to mean an intense longing or craving, usually for something that is difficult or impossible to obtain. For example, "Tim had an aching desire to climb Mt. Everest, despite the dangerous conditions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

So he never had a moral compass, or a political one, except the aching desire to be re-elected.

Independent

Mr. Bauer's Hank is affectingly strung between an aching desire to retrieve the life he lost and the sad knowledge that he must move on.

The New York Times

"Sun" sounds like a document of something that's happened, rather than the report of someone's aching desire to address something undone.

The New Yorker

For couples like Susan and Jim Paulson of Lafayette, Colo., what began as an aching desire to have another child turned quickly into a nightmare.

The New York Times

Its members have produced a body of distinctive literature marked by direct speech, expressions of aching desire, and wide-eyed sincerity.

The New Yorker

Residents from all ethnic groups expressed the same aching desire they have since the Taliban fled three weeks ago, for a multiethnic government backed by international peacekeepers.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

It rediscovers the aching, desiring humanity in a genre -- and a period -- too often subjected to easy parody or ironic appropriation.

The New York Times

Jenkins's masterful film is at its most dazzling when visualizing Chiron's aching desires, catching how his first kiss both electrifies and disarms him, how his eyes linger on that "friend" at a diner, how his wet dreams turn again and again to that one night at the beach where he had that first kiss the last time he was touched by a man.

Vice

I am aching with desire to get lost in the game.

The Guardian - Books

We "ache" with desire.

The Guardian - Books

When Linda gives him a book of her poems, Knausgaard says, "I ached with desire for her as I was reading, every word came from her, was her".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "aching desire" to effectively convey a sense of intense longing, especially when describing emotions related to love, ambition, or unattainable goals. Consider the context to ensure the phrase's intensity aligns with your intended message.

Common error

Avoid using "aching desire" in situations where the longing is mild or fleeting. This phrase is best reserved for instances of significant emotional intensity, as overuse can diminish its impact and make your writing sound melodramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "aching desire" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "aching" modifies the noun "desire", intensifying its meaning. It describes a strong and persistent longing. Ludwig provides numerous examples of its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "aching desire" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that conveys a deep and intense longing. Ludwig's AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples from reputable sources, primarily within the News & Media category. While versatile, it is important to consider the emotional intensity of the context to avoid overuse in less dramatic situations. Alternatives such as "intense longing" or "deep craving" may be more suitable depending on the specific nuance you aim to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intense longing

Focuses on the depth of the feeling rather than the physical metaphor of aching.

yearning heart

Replaces 'desire' with 'heart' to emphasize emotional depth.

deep craving

Highlights the intensity and almost addictive nature of the desire.

burning passion

Shifts the focus to a more fervent and energetic expression of desire.

unfulfilled longing

Emphasizes the lack of satisfaction and the ongoing nature of the desire.

haunting wish

Implies a persistent and somewhat melancholic desire.

insatiable craving

Suggests that the desire is impossible to fully satisfy.

unyielding hunger

Emphasizes the strength and persistence of the desire.

consuming passion

Suggests that the desire dominates one's thoughts and actions.

overwhelming need

Highlights the feeling of necessity and urgency associated with the desire.

FAQs

How can I use "aching desire" in a sentence?

You can use "aching desire" to describe an intense longing for something or someone. For example, "She felt an aching desire to return to her childhood home" or "His aching desire for success drove him to work tirelessly".

What phrases are similar to "aching desire"?

Similar phrases include "intense longing", "deep craving", or "yearning heart". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "aching desire" too dramatic for formal writing?

While "aching desire" can be used in formal writing, consider the context carefully. It's most appropriate when conveying strong emotions or highlighting a significant longing. In more neutral contexts, alternatives like "strong wish" or "intense longing" might be more suitable.

Can "aching desire" be used to describe physical pain?

While "aching" relates to physical pain, "aching desire" is typically used to describe emotional or psychological longing rather than physical discomfort. To describe physical pain, use "aching" with a body part, such as "aching muscles".