desperately longing

USAGE SUMMARY

"desperately longing" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a feeling of passionate yearning for something that you do not have. For example, "She was desperately longing for a quiet night at home after a long and tiring week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

The world is desperately longing to encounter Jesus through us and for far too long we have been giving them a cheap knock off that we have exported under his name.

Huffington Post

Instead of desperately longing for the right to be seen as human beings, today's girls are playing with the old-fashioned notion of being seen as sex objects.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is no wonder that many Syrians will be desperately longing for any process that might put an end to their plight, as the international community finally finds its voice.

The Guardian - Opinion

It may be helpful to remember, at least for all of those designers who are desperately longing for an inaugural nod from Michelle Obama on Monday, that Mrs. Gimbel was not all that thrilled to be selected by the first lady in the first place.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Indeed, the ingredients of Everything read like the diary of a beauty business that is desperately, perhaps madly, longing for its bygone lovers: Amor Amor Summer 2012 (Cacharel), EVAmour Eva Longoriaa), Marry Me! Love Edition (Lanvin), Like a Day in a Candy Shop (Essence), Lovingly (Bruce Willis).

The New York Times

— revealed their desperate longing for freedom.

The New York Times

Long – and longing.

The Guardian

When a dog gets in a box or hides under the duvet or wears a funny hat, it is because he is desperately trying to impress you – longing for your validation and approval.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Small wonder that the vampire, desperately fighting against darker urges, longing to be known and loved, is familiar... and so seductive.

Huffington Post

Longing for retribution is longing for retribution.

The Economist

His luminous, longing closeups of Karina show who really was desperately seeking whom.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "desperately longing" to convey a sense of intense yearning or craving, particularly when the object of desire is difficult to attain.

Common error

Avoid using "desperately longing" too frequently in your writing, as it can make your tone melodramatic. Consider using synonyms or rephrasing to maintain a natural flow.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "desperately longing" functions as a descriptive element, typically modifying a subject to express a state of intense yearning or craving. As Ludwig AI indicates, it conveys a feeling of passionate desire.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "desperately longing" is a grammatically correct phrase used to express a strong sense of yearning or craving. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While relatively rare, it appears mainly in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, be mindful of its intensity and consider whether it accurately reflects the intended emotion. If a less intense feeling is desired, alternatives such as "simply longing" may be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intensely yearning

Changes the adverb "desperately" to "intensely" and "longing" to "yearning", altering the tone slightly.

acutely yearning

Changes "desperately" to "acutely", suggesting a sharp and intense feeling.

passionately craving

Emphasizes the intensity of the desire using "passionately" and "craving".

ardently craving

Uses "ardently" to convey a passionate and enthusiastic desire, paired with "craving".

deeply craving

Substitutes "longing" with "craving", emphasizing a strong desire or need.

fiercely desiring

Substitutes "desperately longing" to convey a strong and determined desire.

earnestly desiring

Replaces "desperately longing" with a more formal and earnest expression.

voraciously desiring

Emphasizes the intensity and insatiability of the desire using "voraciously".

fervently wishing

Uses "fervently wishing" to convey a passionate and hopeful desire.

keenly anticipating

Focuses on the anticipation aspect of longing, using "keenly" to express eagerness.

FAQs

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

You can use "desperately longing" to express an intense yearning or craving for something. For example, "She was desperately longing for a quiet night at home after a hectic week."

What can I say instead of "desperately longing"?

You can use alternatives like "intensely yearning", "deeply craving", or "earnestly desiring" depending on the context.

Is "desperately longing" too strong of a phrase to use?

It depends on the context. "Desperately longing" conveys a strong emotion, so it's suitable when you want to emphasize intense yearning. In less intense situations, consider milder alternatives like "really wanting".

What's the difference between "desperately longing" and "simply longing"?

"Desperately longing" implies a more intense and urgent desire than "simply longing". The addition of "desperately" amplifies the feeling of yearning.