greatest longing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "greatest longing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a deep desire or yearning for something significant or meaningful. Example: "Her greatest longing was to travel the world and experience different cultures."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

"With great longing I am thinking of you," one read, in part.

The New Yorker

It was keeping people, especially young people, very much pent up, with a great longing to go abroad.

The New Yorker

In another case, a biscuit team advised how a detainee's great longing for his mother could be exploited, the interrogators said.

The New York Times

Phillips has played only 12 games for the Mets this season, but he can sense the great longing in the fans.

The New York Times - Sports

With credit markets tight as a drum and many homeowners struggling to keep their houses, fleeting images of a hilltop mansion in Beverly Hills only provoke greater longing.

The New York Times

Of her childhood in Sydney, she said that young Australians of her time were "very much pent up, with a great longing to go abroad.

The New Yorker

"When you live in the middle of this hustle-bustle, and you have a lot of responsibilities and demands on you, you naturally have a greater longing for it".

The New York Times

Just as studies on thought suppression (e.g., "Don't think about white bears!") have shown that constantly monitoring for a thought makes it more active in your mind, focusing on a suppressed behavior can create even greater longing.

Harvard Business Review

Anyway, after finishing The Hobbit I felt a great longing to read The Lord of the Rings, but I worry that I may lose interest in the middle since I already know the story from watching the movie.

The Guardian

What I'm much more impressed by is the way it seems to tap into a great longing that many, many people do feel and do want from their workplaces, where they want not only to be respected and to feel engaged and that it's quote "a good place to work". But without their knowing it, they really also want a good place to grow.

Harvard Business Review

Soon, struck with wonder at a deeper rumbling and rushing sounds like a torrent, I thirsted with great longing for the wider rivers of eloquence.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "greatest longing" when you want to emphasize the intensity and significance of a desire, making it clear that it is the most important or profound yearning someone has. For example: "Her greatest longing was to find inner peace."

Common error

Avoid using "greatest longing" when a simpler term like "strong desire" or "deepest wish" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound melodramatic or insincere.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "greatest longing" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "greatest" modifies the noun "longing". It acts as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence, conveying the idea of a very strong desire. Ludwig indicates that this phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "greatest longing" is a grammatically correct phrase used to express an intense and significant desire. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, although it's important to note the phrase is currently rare in usage. While versatile, it suits contexts where emotional depth is to be conveyed, such as in news articles or creative writing. When writing, be sure to use it purposefully, avoiding overuse to maintain sincerity. Consider alternative expressions like "deepest desire" or "strongest yearning" for different nuances. This phrase can sound sentimental so adapt your style accordingly.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deepest desire

This alternative focuses on the depth of the desire, emphasizing the emotional intensity.

strongest yearning

This alternative uses "yearning" to convey a sense of longing, highlighting the emotional aspect.

utmost yearning

Emphasizes the intensity and emotional aspect of the longing.

ultimate aspiration

This alternative shifts the focus to ambition and achievement, suggesting a long-term goal.

paramount ambition

Focuses more on a driving force for achievement, suggesting an aim that could involve action to achieve it.

foremost craving

Emphasizes a powerful need or hunger, suggesting a strong desire that needs satisfaction.

overriding passion

Highlights the emotional dominance of the desire, indicating a powerful driving force.

principal longing

This alternative suggests the longing is of primary importance, though maybe not the most intense.

chief desire

Similar to "principal longing" but more straightforward, emphasizing importance over intensity.

greatest aspiration

Shifts the focus towards ambitions, presenting a different perspective.

FAQs

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

You can use "greatest longing" to describe a very strong desire or yearning for something. For example: "His greatest longing was to return home after many years abroad."

What is a synonym for "greatest longing"?

Alternatives for "greatest longing" include "deepest desire", "strongest yearning", or "ultimate aspiration".

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

While grammatically correct, "greatest longing" can sound somewhat sentimental. Consider the tone of your writing; in more formal contexts, a phrase like "primary objective" or "chief aim" might be more suitable depending on the situation.

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

"Greatest longing" implies a more profound and emotional yearning, whereas "strong desire" simply indicates a powerful wish. The former suggests a deep-seated emotional need, while the latter is a more general expression of wanting something.