articulate a longing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "articulate a longing" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing the act of clearly expressing or communicating a deep desire or yearning. Example: "In her poem, she was able to articulate a longing for a simpler time, evoking nostalgia in her readers."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Part of its success, in hindsight, was that it both articulated a longing for women's liberation while simultaneously celebrating a nostalgic vision of British middle-class comfort in the twilight of the Edwardian age.

The Guardian - Books

In many ways Astral Weeks was born out of this frustration, and the accompanying financial anxiety, although little of that desperation seeps into the record; it is an album that sounds warm and rich and luxurious, and the urgency that runs through its eight songs has always seemed tethered to Morrison's desire to articulate something – a longing, a desire, an essence.

The Guardian - Music

The sketch seemed to articulate an unspoken longing among many Obama supporters, and perhaps within the black community as a whole.

The New Yorker

In the end "Pill Hill" articulates a universal longing to step up on the social ladder.

The New York Times

In 1891 he attacked the British press for presenting Iranian protesters against the Shah as Islamic fanatics when, in fact, they articulated a profound longing for reform.

The Guardian - Opinion

Sibelius's identification with the nascent Finnish state made him a symbol of artistic activism, of an articulate longing for freedom.

The New Yorker

These poems engage the inexplicable, attempting to articulate the tension between doubt and a longing for certainty, between belief in the potency of language and acceptance of its failures.

University of Chicago

When you, as a leader, can articulate that longing and inculcate purpose, you will be well on your way to fostering collaboration among the people in your organization.

Harvard Business Review

Generally people are competent at labeling their moods ("I'm in a good/bad/restless/mellow mood") and emotions ("I'm happy/sad/angry/anxious"), but fewer can articulate the strong emotional desires that shape much of their behavior and identity, such as a longing for validation, a hunger for power and status, a strong need to be liked.

Harvard Business Review

A longing for more.

The New York Times

The longing for the girl is a longing to write.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "articulate a longing", ensure the context clearly establishes what the longing is for. Be specific and provide enough detail for the reader to understand the depth and nature of the desire being expressed.

Common error

Avoid using "articulate a longing" too frequently in formal or academic writing. While grammatically correct, it can sometimes sound overly sentimental. Opt for more precise and nuanced language that directly describes the specific desire or motivation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "articulate a longing" functions as a verb phrase, where "articulate" is the verb and "a longing" is the direct object. It describes the action of expressing a deep desire or yearning clearly and effectively. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "articulate a longing" describes the act of clearly expressing a deep desire or yearning. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. While versatile, it is most effective when the context provides sufficient detail about the nature and object of the longing. Alternatives such as "express a deep yearning" or "voice a heartfelt yearning" can offer subtle variations in emphasis. Due to the lack of examples, its frequency is missing and it makes determining typical usage contexts difficult. However, based on its construction, it is expected to fit within neutral writing contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Express a deep yearning

Focuses on the expression of a yearning rather than the act of articulating it.

Communicate a profound desire

Highlights the communication aspect of a strong desire.

Voice a heartfelt yearning

Emphasizes the sincerity and emotional depth of the expressed longing.

Verbalize a strong desire

More formal and focuses on the act of putting a desire into words.

Give voice to a deep-seated longing

Implies that the longing is deeply rooted and perhaps previously unexpressed.

Convey a sense of yearning

Focuses on the transmission of a feeling of longing.

Make known a powerful desire

Highlights the act of revealing a desire to others.

Declare a deep yearning

More assertive, suggesting a public or formal expression of longing.

Express an intense desire

Focuses on the intensity of the desire being expressed.

Reveal a profound yearning

Implies that the yearning was previously hidden or unknown.

FAQs

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

You can use "articulate a longing" to describe someone expressing a deep desire or yearning. For example, "The poet was able to "articulate a longing" for a simpler time in her verses".

What are some alternatives to "articulate a longing"?

Alternatives include "express a deep yearning", "communicate a profound desire", or "voice a heartfelt yearning", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "articulate a longing" or "express a longing"?

"Articulate a longing" emphasizes the clarity and eloquence of the expression, while "express a longing" is a more general term. The best choice depends on whether you want to highlight the manner in which the longing is conveyed.

In what contexts is "articulate a longing" most appropriate?

The phrase "articulate a longing" is suitable in literary analysis, creative writing, or discussions of emotional expression. It may be less appropriate in highly technical or scientific contexts.