expressed longing for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "expressed longing for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing someone's feelings of desire or yearning for something or someone. Example: "In her letter, she expressed longing for the days when they would spend hours together by the lake."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Arts

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

At the same time mothers expressed longing for the baby who died and the need to acknowledge their maternal bond.

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Finally, the artists in the catalog just sound different from those in the West, whether they are expressing longing for a culture perceived as lost or mingled excitement and exasperation about the one that confronts them in China today.

The New York Times - Arts

"I think it is possible for artists to speak about history and memory without expressing longing for a lost past.

Vice

Several expressed a longing for the kind of oversight and assistance the state offers, and were eager to talk shop.

The New York Times - Food

Kandahar's residents today expressed a longing for peace and high hopes for Mr. Karzai and a new goal of national unity.

The New York Times

By the time I expressed my longing for Robert Woodworth's house to my friend Meg, we had become a family of four.

The New Yorker

While Ms. Opie may bristle at the word "normal," she has created a domestic ideal that she expressed a longing for in her earliest self-portrait.

The New York Times - Arts

Ms. Levitt expressed a longing for unique dining in the food court -- which now offers vendors like Au Bon Pain, Master Wok and Nathan's Famous.

The New York Times

Other older members of Gen Y expressed similar longing for late '90s popular culture like AOL buddy lists and compact discs — the once-dominant music medium now in its declining years.

The New York Times

I was on the brink of that awful abyss of teenagedom and I, too, needed someone to talk to.... (Ironically, Anne, too, expressed a longing for more attention from her father).... Dad's whole life was a series of meetings.

The New Yorker

As the preparation of lunch went on, she expressed wistful longing for a glass of wine, admitted that her father's song "Live and Let Die" remains her favorite of the James Bond movie anthems ("Obviously, I'm biased," she said), and argued that there was only one correct way to deal with extra pools of olive oil, melted cheese and right-from-the-oven tomatoes.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "expressed longing for", ensure that the subject clearly articulates the desire, either verbally or through actions and behaviors.

Common error

Avoid using "expressed longing for" with inanimate objects or abstract concepts as the subject. This phrase is best used when a person or conscious entity is doing the expressing. For example, instead of "The poem expressed longing for freedom", it's better to say "The poet expressed longing for freedom in the poem".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "expressed longing for" functions as a verb phrase, where "expressed" is the verb indicating the act of communication, and "longing for" is a noun phrase describing the object of the expression. The examples provided by Ludwig show its use in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

20%

Arts

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "expressed longing for" is a versatile phrase used to articulate a deep sense of yearning or desire, suitable for various contexts, from personal narratives to more formal analyses. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use. While interchangeable with alternatives like "yearned for" or "desired intensely", the specific choice depends on the desired nuance and context. When using this phrase, ensure the subject is a conscious entity capable of expressing emotions, and be mindful of the emotional weight it carries. Its frequency is significant across diverse fields, demonstrating its relevance in contemporary communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

expressed a yearning for

Replaces "longing" with "yearning", another word that expresses the same feeling.

felt a deep longing for

Emphasizes the intensity of the feeling itself.

yearned for

Replaces "expressed" with a more direct synonym for strong desire. Implies a deep, often unspoken, longing.

voiced a desire for

Replaces "longing" with desire, denoting intent.

desired intensely

Focuses on the strength of the desire, replacing "longing" with a more forceful adjective.

craved

Implies a strong, almost uncontrollable desire, often for something specific.

conveyed a craving for

Denotes an intense desire.

pined for

Suggests a melancholic and persistent longing, often for something unattainable.

articulated a wish for

Indicates a clearly stated want.

longed to have

Shifts the focus to the object of the desire, emphasizing possession or experience.

FAQs

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

You can use "expressed longing for" to describe a person's deep desire for something. For example: "She expressed longing for her homeland", "He expressed longing for a simpler time", or "The artist expressed longing for connection through her work".

What are some alternatives to "expressed longing for"?

Some alternatives include "yearned for", "desired intensely", "craved", or "pined for". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "expressed a longing for" instead of "expressed longing for"?

Yes, both "expressed longing for" and "expressed a longing for" are grammatically correct and convey essentially the same meaning. The inclusion of "a" simply adds a slightly more formal tone.

What's the difference between "expressed longing for" and "expressed a desire for"?

"Expressed longing for" implies a deeper, more emotional yearning, while "expressed a desire for" is a more general statement of wanting something. "Expressed longing for" suggests a sense of absence or loss, whereas "expressed a desire for" simply indicates a wish or preference.