aching for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "aching for" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to describe a strong longing for something, usually something that is difficult or impossible to obtain. For example: "She was aching for a miracle to happen that would turn their fortunes around."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I was aching for what came next.

The New Yorker

Lord knows they're aching for the opportunity.

The Guardian - Opinion

My bones were aching for it.

The Guardian

Oh, oh, oh! My heart is aching for you.

The New Yorker

Wives aching for adventure doused their desires with alcohol.

The New York Times

It is going to be aching for a while.

The New York Times - Sports

David Wright has been aching for that kind of shot.

The New York Times - Sports

Then you wait with legs aching for one of the dozen voting booths to open up.

The New York Times

Frankie and Paul and Dion and Bobby were pining, yearning, aching for love.

The New York Times

And while it won't suit someone aching for a premium smartphone, it's well worth a look.

Independent

He and Mourning are fierce competitors, tireless workers and aching for a championship.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "aching for" to express a strong emotional or physical longing. Consider the context to ensure the intensity of the phrase is appropriate.

Common error

While "aching for" is widely understood, it can sound overly emotional or informal in professional or academic writing. Opt for more neutral alternatives like "desiring" or "seeking" in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "aching for" functions as a verb phrase expressing a strong desire or longing. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable status, and the examples show it modifying nouns, expressing what someone intensely wants.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Wiki

5%

Huffington Post

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "aching for" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express a strong sense of longing or desire. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It is most frequently found in news and media sources, with a neutral to informal register. While versatile, it's advisable to consider the context and opt for more formal alternatives in professional or academic writing. The phrase's communicative purpose is to convey intense longing, and its effectiveness relies on accurately reflecting the strength of that desire.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

longing for

Emphasizes a deep sense of yearning or missing something.

yearning for

Suggests a persistent and heartfelt desire.

desiring intensely

Highlights the strength of the desire.

craving for

Implies a strong, sometimes uncontrollable, need.

pining for

Conveys a sense of sadness or melancholy while longing.

hankering after

Suggests a desire for something specific and enjoyable.

hungry for

Emphasizes a strong need or ambition.

thirsting for

Implies a deep and fundamental need.

wishing desperately for

Highlights the urgency and intensity of the wish.

in need of

Conveys a sense of necessity or requirement.

FAQs

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

You can use "aching for" to express a strong desire or longing, such as "She was aching for a vacation after a long year of work".

What's a good alternative to "aching for" that still conveys a strong longing?

Alternatives to "aching for" include "longing for", "yearning for", or "pining for", which all emphasize a deep sense of wanting something.

When is it appropriate to use "aching for" versus a more formal term?

"Aching for" is suitable for informal contexts like personal writing or casual conversation. For formal writing, consider using alternatives like "desiring intensely" or "in need of".

Is "aching for" interchangeable with "hurting for"?

While both phrases imply a need, "aching for" typically refers to a strong desire, whereas "hurting for" often implies a lack of something essential, like resources or support.