he longed for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he longed for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a strong desire or yearning for something or someone. Example: "He longed for the days when life was simpler and carefree."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

He longed for war.

The New Yorker

He longed for more.

The New Yorker

He longed for a sibling.

The Guardian - Music

I listened intently but sensed he longed for something more.

Harvard University

He longed for a better quality of life.

The New York Times

In letters home, he longed for fame and fortune.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

He longs for us to like him.

The New Yorker

At times he longs for a break.

The New York Times

He longs for it every day.

The New Yorker

He longs for home, but he longs for Italy, which is not his home.

The New York Times - Arts

Perhaps he longs for his days as an underdog.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the emotional weight you want to convey. "He longed for" suggests a deep, often wistful desire, so choose this phrase when that nuance is appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "he longed for" in situations where a simple preference or mild desire is meant. Overusing the phrase can diminish its impact and make your writing sound melodramatic. Reserve it for situations involving genuine yearning or deep-seated desire.

Linguistic Context

"He longed for" primarily functions as a verb phrase expressing a character's deep desire or yearning. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. The examples in Ludwig illustrate various objects of this longing, from fame and fortune to peace and intimacy.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

84%

Academia

8%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "he longed for" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to convey a deep yearning or desire. As Ludwig AI states, this phrase is valid and commonly used in English writing. Its use is prevalent in news and media, academia, and even scientific contexts, denoting its versatility. While semantically interchangeable alternatives such as "he yearned for" or "he craved" exist, the choice depends on the precise emotional tone intended. Remember to use "he longed for" when you want to emphasize a strong, often wistful desire, and avoid overusing it in contexts that require a less dramatic expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he yearned for

Emphasizes a deep and persistent feeling of wanting something.

he craved

Suggests a powerful and urgent desire, often for something specific.

he desired

A more formal and general term for wanting something.

he wished for

Indicates a hope or dream for something to happen or be obtained.

he hungered for

Implies a profound and almost insatiable need.

he ached for

Conveys a sense of emotional pain or emptiness due to the absence of something.

he pined for

Suggests a melancholic and wistful longing.

he had a strong desire for

Expresses desire in a more descriptive and less direct manner.

his heart yearned for

Adds a touch of emotion and indicates a deep emotional longing.

he was desperate for

Indicates an urgent and intense need, often driven by a sense of urgency or crisis.

FAQs

What does "he longed for" mean?

The phrase "he longed for" means he had a strong desire or yearning for something or someone. It suggests a deep and often wistful wanting.

What can I say instead of "he longed for"?

You can use alternatives like "he yearned for", "he craved", or "he desired" depending on the context.

How to use "he longed for" in a sentence?

Use "he longed for" to express a deep desire or yearning. For example: "He longed for the days when life was simpler" or "After years apart, he longed for his family".

What's the difference between "he longed for" and "he wanted"?

"He longed for" implies a deeper, more emotional desire than "he wanted". "He wanted" is a general expression of desire, while "he longed for" suggests a stronger, more wistful yearning.