are longing for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are longing for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a strong desire or yearning for something or someone. Example: "After years of living abroad, they are longing for the comfort of their hometown."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There are clear enough reasons why some are longing for what others long to avoid.

The Guardian - Opinion

They are longing for me to stop.

The Guardian - Books

Occasionally, they get to shoot somebody — strikers, agitators — but they are longing for bigger action: war.

The New Yorker

In today's uncertain climate, I believe that voters are longing for reassurance, certainty and hope.

Independent

In the West, they are longing for the welcome rain of autumn.

The Economist

They are "longing" for an independent agency free from outside influence to establish the facts.

The Guardian

Call Porky's if you are longing for some down-home barbecue.

The New York Times

"People are longing for something that they are not getting elsewhere.

The Guardian

As Hamas assumes control over Gaza, Gazans are longing for the return of the despised Israelis.

The Guardian - Opinion

Or simply to manage whatever it is you are longing for.

The New Yorker

Occasionally, they get to shoot somebody strikers, agitators but they are longing for bigger action: war.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are longing for" to express a deep yearning or strong desire, especially when there's an element of wistfulness or emotional intensity. For instance, "They are longing for the simpler times" conveys more emotion than "They want the simpler times".

Common error

While "are longing for" is acceptable in many contexts, it might sound overly sentimental or informal in highly professional or academic writing. Consider using alternatives like "desire" or "seek" for a more appropriate tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are longing for" functions as a verb phrase, specifically a present continuous tense used to express a strong, ongoing desire or yearning. Ludwig examples confirm its usage in various contexts, showcasing a sense of deep wanting.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

87%

Academia

6%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Science

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "are longing for" is a versatile phrase used to express a strong desire or yearning. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically correct and frequently used, particularly in News & Media. While generally neutral, it may be too informal for highly professional or scientific contexts, where alternatives like "desire" or "seek" might be more appropriate. The phrase is best used to convey a sense of wistfulness or emotional intensity, differentiating it from simpler expressions like "are wanting" or "are wishing".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are yearning for

Slightly more poetic or intense than "are longing for".

are craving

Suggests a strong desire, often for something specific and tangible.

are aching for

Conveys a sense of pain or emptiness caused by the absence of something.

are desiring

A more formal and less common way to express wanting something.

are hungering for

Emphasizes a deep and fundamental need or desire.

are pining for

Implies a deep sadness and wistfulness in addition to wanting something.

are wishing for

A more general expression of wanting something, without the intensity of longing.

are hoping for

Suggests a desire combined with expectation or anticipation.

are dreaming of

Implies a more fanciful or unrealistic desire.

are hankering after

An informal way to express a strong desire, often for something nostalgic.

FAQs

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

You can use "are longing for" to express a deep yearning or strong desire. For example, "Many people "are longing for" a sense of community after the pandemic".

What can I say instead of "are longing for"?

You can use alternatives like "are yearning for", "are craving", or "are desiring" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "are longing for" or "are wanting"?

"Are longing for" implies a deeper, more emotional desire than "are wanting". While both are grammatically correct, "are longing for" suggests a sense of wistfulness or strong yearning.

What's the difference between "are longing for" and "are wishing for"?

"Are longing for" conveys a strong, often emotional desire, while "are wishing for" is a more general and less intense expression of wanting something. Longing implies a deeper emotional connection or need.