in longing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in longing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a feeling of desire or yearning for something or someone. Example: "She gazed out the window, lost in longing for the days of her youth."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

Their torment is that " without hope we live in longing".

The New Yorker

In longing for it, scientists demonstrate a concern for themselves as creators, as irreplaceable makers.

The Guardian - Books

It is not as though his films haven't acknowledged male lust; they are steeped in longing.

The New York Times

His life passed in longing for his wife and his son, Lee, who was born in March 1983.

The New York Times

When I was a small child, Father's Day was an exercise in longing and a gantlet of shame.

The New York Times

But Kosovars are not alone in longing to escape an apparently intractable mixture of nepotism, crippling taxes and barriers to enterprise.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

We simply have no idea how to tune into this emotional dance and move in synchrony with our partner; indeed it is a testimony to the wired-in longing for a lasting bond that so many of us continue, over years, to struggle to connect with our chosen mate.

HuffPost

I've been feeling caged in lately, longing to find the opening, running in circles.

HuffPost

In the meantime, the Nukak continue to languish in hammocks, longing to return to their nomadic life.

The Guardian

And what a relief to read a story in which things actually happen, in which the characters aren't just mired in inchoate longing.

The New Yorker

On lunch breaks, I went home to cry in bed, longing for a paranormal miracle.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in longing" to convey a sense of yearning or wistful desire for something that is absent or unattainable. This phrase adds depth to emotional descriptions and highlights the intensity of the feeling.

Common error

Avoid using "in longing" when a different preposition or verb construction more accurately reflects the intended meaning. For instance, instead of "in longing to see you", consider "longing to see you" or "eager to see you" for better clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in longing" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or noun to express a state of yearning or intense desire. It often adds emotional depth to a sentence. Ludwig indicates that this phrase is commonly used in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "in longing" is a grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to express a deep sense of yearning or desire. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is frequently found in news and media, and occasionally in academic and scientific contexts. When writing, consider the emotional depth you want to convey and ensure "in longing" accurately reflects the intended feeling. It is crucial to use this phrase where the preposition adds appropriate nuance and intensity to descriptions. Alternatives like "yearning for" or "desiring intensely" may be more suitable depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

yearning for

Focuses on a deep and persistent feeling of wanting something.

desiring intensely

Emphasizes the strength and intensity of the desire.

pining for

Suggests a sorrowful and melancholic longing.

aching for

Highlights the emotional pain associated with the longing.

with fervent desire

Implies a passionate and enthusiastic longing.

consumed by yearning

Suggests that the longing is all-encompassing and overwhelming.

in pursuit of

Focuses on the active seeking of something desired.

aspiring to

Emphasizes the ambition and goal-oriented nature of the longing.

with heartfelt yearning

Highlights the sincerity and depth of the longing.

hoping for earnestly

Stresses the sincere hope and expectation associated with the longing.

FAQs

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

You can use "in longing" to express a deep yearning or desire. For example: "She gazed at the old photograph, lost "in longing" for her childhood home."

What are some alternatives to "in longing"?

Alternatives to "in longing" include phrases like "yearning for", "desiring intensely", or "pining for", which convey similar emotions of desire and yearning.

Is it grammatically correct to say "in longing"?

Yes, "in longing" is a grammatically correct prepositional phrase that is commonly used to express a state of yearning or desire. It is often used to add emotional depth to descriptions.

How does "in longing" differ from "longing for"?

"In longing" describes a state of being or feeling, while "longing for" is an active expression of desire towards a specific object or goal. For example, "She was "in longing"" describes her emotional state, whereas "She was longing for a vacation" indicates what she desires.