genuine longing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "genuine longing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a deep, sincere desire or yearning for something or someone. Example: "Her genuine longing for connection was evident in the way she reached out to others."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Only a few older writers — poets or not — can manage this balance of self-amusement and genuine longing.

The New York Times - Books

The exception is the song "I Miss the Music," in which the nature of collaboration is explained to the jejune detective, and genuine longing finds its way into the manic fun.

The New Yorker

We need not applaud Rousseau's often eccentric romanticism to see the point: there is, for scientists and the general public, a genuine longing to comprehend the natural world, above and beyond immediate utility.

The Guardian - Opinion

Ms. Cruz and Mr. Damon are certainly a nice-looking pair, but the film's treatment of their characters' relationship is so stylized and detached that no spark of genuine longing ever ignites between them.

The New York Times

Heading home from my ­family ski-trip to Les ­Crosets, Switzerland, I'm carrying with me, along with the bumps, bruises, chapped lips and sunburned nose (and an as yet undigested kilo or so of Swiss cheese), a genuine longing to return.

The Guardian - Travel

The irony of the drug experience is that it comes from an outgrowth of genuine longing, a reaching out for meaning, a yearning for transcendence and salvation, and it ends with sitting in a darkened room staring miserably at the wall.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Christopher's tightly plotted novel is a truly original debut that, while subtly referencing Orwell, Kafka, Marvel comics and Philip K Dick, manages to maintain its own distinctive tone – a genuine pathos and longing for something elusively other.

The Guardian - Books

If one had to point to a common thread that runs through all the letters it would be a genuine curiosity and longing for more interaction with Americans.

Huffington Post

So the tale Capote tells is one of superficial cosmopolitan glamour and the unfulfilled longing for genuine glamour underlying it.

Huffington Post

Everything about it is genuine perfection: the keening, longing vocal, those lighter-than-air chords that float and pulse celestially, the perfectly weighted kick, that handclap 59 seconds in, fuck, it's all too much everytime I hear it.

Vice

Her genuine-sounding loyalty and longing give the latter part of this book a powerful legitimacy.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Employ "genuine longing" to add emotional depth to writing, particularly when describing characters' motivations or aspirations.

Common error

Avoid using "genuine longing" in situations that are trivial or lack emotional weight. Overusing it can diminish its impact and make the writing seem melodramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "genuine longing" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig confirms its correct and usable structure. It is used to describe a state of deep and authentic yearning.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "genuine longing" is a grammatically correct and usable noun phrase that conveys a deep, authentic desire or yearning. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is suitable for various contexts, primarily appearing in news and media sources. While "genuine longing" is a strong and evocative phrase, it's important to avoid overuse in trivial contexts. Consider alternatives like "sincere yearning" or "authentic desire" to refine the specific nuance you want to express. Remember to use "genuine longing" to add emotional depth and sincerity to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sincere yearning

Replaces 'longing' with 'yearning', emphasizing a deep and persistent desire.

authentic desire

Substitutes 'longing' with 'desire', highlighting a strong feeling of wanting something.

intense yearning

Amplifies the feeling of yearning, indicating a very strong desire.

true craving

Emphasizes the intensity of the desire, suggesting a strong need.

deep-seated wish

Indicates a desire that is profoundly felt and has been present for a long time.

palpable desire

Describes the desire as being easily felt or noticed.

heartfelt aspiration

Highlights the emotional and personal significance of the desire.

sincere hope

Replaces 'longing' with 'hope', focusing on the anticipation of a positive outcome.

earnest hope

Focuses on the optimistic expectation that the desired outcome will occur.

profound sentiment

Shifts the focus to the depth of feeling, rather than the desire itself.

FAQs

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

You can use "genuine longing" to describe a character's deep desire for something, as in, "Her eyes reflected a "genuine longing" for connection."

What's the difference between "genuine longing" and "sincere desire"?

"Genuine longing" often implies a sense of wistfulness or yearning, while "sincere desire" focuses more on the straightforward wish for something. The former may carry more emotional weight.

What are some synonyms for "genuine longing"?

Alternatives include "authentic yearning", "heartfelt aspiration", or "sincere hope", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "genuine longing" formal or informal?

"Genuine longing" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts where you want to express a deep and sincere desire. It is often found in literature, news articles, and personal writing.