always dreamed of

USAGE SUMMARY

"always dreamed of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that something was a long-standing hope or ambition of yours. For example, "I had always dreamed of becoming a doctor."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"I had always dreamed of the desert".

The New York Times

"I always dreamed of going to America.

The New York Times

I always dreamed of being a ballerina.

The New York Times

"You know what I always dreamed of?

The New York Times - Magazine

But he always dreamed of acting.

The New York Times - Style

I always dreamed of meeting him.

The New York Times

Just like I'd always dreamed of.

The Guardian - Books

'This is traffic I've always dreamed of.

The Guardian

Three always dreamed of doing stand-up.

The New York Times

He always dreamed of being an actor.

The Guardian

It's something I've always dreamed of.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "always dreamed of" to express a deeply cherished and long-held ambition, adding a personal and emotive touch to your writing.

Common error

While "always dreamed of" is acceptable in many situations, it might sound too informal or sentimental for academic or professional writing. Consider using more neutral alternatives like "always aspired to" or "had a long-standing interest in" in formal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "always dreamed of" functions as part of a verb phrase, typically followed by a gerund or noun phrase. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. It describes a past and enduring aspiration, often expressing a strong personal desire.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "always dreamed of" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to convey a long-held ambition or aspiration. Ludwig AI confirms that the expression is correct and usable in written English. Predominantly found in News & Media, the phrase adds an emotive touch and personal depth. While its casual tone makes it ideal for conversational pieces, alternative phrases may lend more authority to formal documents. When using "always dreamed of", remember to check the formality of your source.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

always aspired to

Focuses more on ambition and striving towards a goal, suggesting a conscious effort.

longed for

Emphasizes a deep yearning or emotional desire for something.

always wished for

Indicates a hope or desire, often less intense than a dream.

always envisioned

Highlights the mental imagery and visualization of a desired outcome.

had a lifelong ambition for

Stresses the duration and significance of the ambition.

always hoped to

Suggests a sense of optimism and expectation.

yearned for

Implies a strong and persistent desire, often with a sense of longing.

fantasized about

Implies imagining something, often in a playful or unrealistic way.

had a burning desire for

Emphasizes the intensity and passion behind the desire.

desired above all else

Highlights the prioritization of the particular desire over all other things.

FAQs

How to use "always dreamed of" in a sentence?

You can use "always dreamed of" to express a long-held ambition or aspiration. For example, "She "always dreamed of" becoming a doctor".

What can I say instead of "always dreamed of"?

You can use alternatives like "always aspired to", "longed for", or "always wished for" depending on the context.

Is "always dreamed of" formal or informal?

The phrase "always dreamed of" leans towards the informal side. In more formal contexts, consider using alternatives like "always aspired to" or "had a long-standing interest in".

What's the difference between "always dreamed of" and "always wished for"?

"Always dreamed of" suggests a more vivid and ambitious aspiration, while "always wished for" implies a simpler, less intense desire.