deep longing for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "deep 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: "She felt a deep longing for her childhood home, filled with memories of laughter and warmth."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

A deep longing for this past permeates every story.

The New Yorker

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

Encyclopedia Britannica

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

The Guardian - Opinion

2. Death in Venice by Thomas Mann (1912, English translation 1925) In Venice, the honoured author Aschenbach acknowledges a deep longing "for nothingness".

The Guardian - Books

Neither Kashua's self-imposed exile nor my own will assuage our deep longing for a more peaceful and equitable land for all of the children of Israel — regardless of their background or religious or cultural affiliation.

The New Yorker

Visiting Egypt, he remembers how the smell from a certain falafel place in New York used to fill him with a deep longing for the small falafel establishments he had known in Egypt.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

What's more, it sometimes satisfied these women's deep longings for "acceptance, adventure, success, love, power".

The New York Times - Books

Republicans with short memories and deep longings for re-election will be tempted to keep spending lavishly, thereby aggravating aggregate demand, inviting the return of inflation and a frantic rush of speculation.

The New York Times

It is almost every parent's dearest wish and deepest longing for their child: Please don't get hurt.

The Guardian - Books

"It celebrates doggedness, good-humored discipline and desire — the desire not only to write a song or make a recording, but the deeper longing for communication that underlies any worthwhile artistic effort".

The New York Times - Arts

It celebrates doggedness, good-humored discipline and desire the desire not only to write a song or make a recording, but the deeper longing for communication that underlies any worthwhile artistic effort.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about intense emotional states, "deep longing for" can effectively express a sense of incompleteness or a desire for something absent.

Common error

While "deep longing for" is appropriate in many situations, avoid overusing it in highly formal or technical writing. Consider more neutral alternatives like "strong desire for" or "significant need for" in those contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "deep longing for" functions as a noun phrase acting as the object of a verb or preposition. It expresses a strong, often sentimental desire or yearning, which Ludwig AI confirms as grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "deep longing for" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to express a strong, often sentimental yearning. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is widely used in both formal and informal contexts and is appropriate for conveying heartfelt emotions. Its frequency is common, especially in news and media sources. While versatile, it's essential to consider the emotional weight of the phrase and use it judiciously, ensuring it aligns with the desired tone and formality of your writing. For less emotionally charged situations consider using the alternative "strong desire for".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intense yearning for

Emphasizes the intensity and emotional nature of the desire.

profound desire for

Highlights the depth and significance of the desire.

strong craving for

Suggests a powerful and almost uncontrollable need.

passionate yearning for

Combines both strong emotion and a sense of reaching out.

fervent wish for

Implies a sincere and enthusiastic hope.

acute need for

Focuses on the urgency and necessity of what is desired.

deep-seated desire for

Highlights the ingrained and fundamental nature of the longing.

unwavering hope for

Focuses on the sustained and resolute nature of the desire.

abiding affection for

Implies a lasting and constant feeling of fondness.

persistent yearning for

Emphasizes the continuous and ongoing nature of the longing.

FAQs

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

You can use "deep longing for" to express a strong desire or yearning. For example, "She felt a "deep longing for" her childhood home" or "He expressed a "deep longing for" a simpler life".

What are some alternatives to "deep longing for"?

Alternatives include "intense yearning for", "profound desire for", or "strong craving for", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is "deep longing for" formal or informal?

"Deep longing for" is generally considered appropriate for both formal and informal contexts, though it leans slightly towards the emotive side. Choose your wording depending on audience.

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

"Deep longing for" typically implies a more emotional and sentimental yearning, often for something unattainable or lost. "Strong desire for" is a more general and neutral expression of wanting something.