deep longing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "deep longing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a strong desire or yearning for something or someone. Example: "She felt a deep longing for the days of her childhood, filled with innocence and joy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

A deep longing for this past permeates every story.

The New Yorker

But I believe her quest reflected her deep longing to be close again to her mother.

The New York Times - Food

"There was a sense of deep, deep longing before 'Stop-Loss,' " she said.

The New York Times

But there was still a deep longing in Mr. Pilco, and trouble ahead.

The New York Times

Becoming a father met his deep longing to have a settled family life.

The Guardian

It flows directly from the emotion of the character and strikes a universal chord of deep longing.

The New York Times

Most importantly, Germany's annexation of Alsace-Lorraine aroused a deep longing for revenge in the French people.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Around our table, Phu Quoc and its signature product were spoken about with reverence and a deep longing.

The New York Times

Having these daughters, one a quiet helper and thoughtful companion, the other a chatterbox and minor villain, was a perfect fulfillment of a deep longing.

The New York Times - Magazine

Their victory is explained by voters' desire to throw out the corrupt socialists, not some deep longing for a "national revolution".

The Guardian - Opinion

A deep longing burnt deep in Ammu's vagina as she lay in the bedroom whose walls would soon learn their harrowing secrets.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "deep longing" to convey a sense of profound yearning that is central to the narrative or character's motivation. For example, in character development, showing a character's "deep longing" can effectively communicate their inner conflicts and desires.

Common error

Avoid using "deep longing" repeatedly in close proximity, as it can diminish its impact. Instead, vary your language by incorporating related terms such as "intense yearning" or "profound desire" to maintain the reader's interest.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "deep longing" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a state of intense yearning or desire, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Huffington Post

23%

The Guardian

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0.7%

Wiki

0.7%

Science

0.7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "deep longing" is a common and grammatically correct way to express a profound sense of yearning or desire. Ludwig's examples show its prevalence across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While the phrase is appropriate for formal writing, overusing it can diminish its impact. It’s helpful to consider related phrases like "intense yearning" or "profound desire" to add variety and nuance to your writing. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase follows standard grammar rules and effectively conveys a strong emotional state.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intense yearning

Replaces "longing" with "yearning" and "deep" with "intense" focusing on the emotional aspect.

profound desire

Substitutes "longing" with "desire" and "deep" with "profound", emphasizing the depth of the feeling.

powerful yearning

Uses "powerful" instead of "deep" to highlight the strength of the yearning.

consuming desire

Emphasizes how all-encompassing the desire is.

unfathomable yearning

Highlights the depth and mystery of the yearning.

inescapable longing

Focuses on the inability to avoid or ignore the longing.

overwhelming desire

Highlights the intense and uncontrollable nature of the desire.

abiding yearning

Implies that the yearning is constant and unwavering.

palpable longing

Suggests that the longing is so strong it can almost be physically felt.

visceral desire

Emphasizes the instinctive and emotional nature of the desire.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "deep longing" in a sentence?

Use "deep longing" to describe a strong, persistent desire for something or someone. For example: "She felt a deep longing for her homeland after years of living abroad".

What are some alternatives to "deep longing"?

You can use alternatives like "intense yearning", "profound desire", or "powerful yearning" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "deep longing" in formal writing?

Yes, "deep longing" is appropriate for formal writing as it is grammatically correct and conveys a strong sense of emotion. However, ensure it fits the overall tone and context of your piece.

What's the difference between "deep longing" and "strong desire"?

"Deep longing" suggests a more profound and often emotional yearning, while "strong desire" simply indicates a powerful wish. "Deep longing" often implies a sense of incompleteness or absence.