intense longing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "intense longing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a strong desire or yearning for something or someone. Example: "After years of separation, she felt an intense longing to return to her hometown."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

Kids are left with this intense longing for identification".

The New Yorker

To people's intense longing for their 15 minutes, maybe.

The New York Times

That can create an intense longing for what those outside Gaza see as mundane, or ordinary.

The New York Times

And why does it arouse such an intense longing to follow it?

The New York Times - Travel

They spoke with intense longing of the new freedoms that gays were experiencing in the West.

The New Yorker

We are in the throes of what researchers call passionate love, a state of intense longing, desire and attraction.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

Sometimes your most intense longings for food happen right when you're at your weakest emotional points.

Huffington Post

For one thing, many grievers experience intense yearning or longing after a death — more than they experience, say, denial.

The New Yorker

Kaplan himself describes the less-developed megacities of the 21st century as vast citadels of solitary striving, creating a "new urban geography... of intense, personal longing".

The New York Times - Books

Eventually, Ms. Phillips writes, this would mean: "Tiptree's stories often concern an intense, erotic longing for a frightening union with another.

The New York Times - Books

Aside from the exciting drama of the game itself, following along every day is a source of stability and order; it satisfies the intense childhood longing to be close to something.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "intense longing" to convey a profound sense of yearning or desire, often for something unattainable or lost. For example, "She felt an intense longing for her childhood home after moving to the city."

Common error

Avoid using "intense longing" in situations that require milder expressions of desire. Overusing it can diminish its impact and make your writing sound melodramatic. Consider using "strong desire" or "great interest" instead when discussing everyday preferences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "intense longing" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "intense" modifies the noun "longing". As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct. It typically acts as the subject or object of a sentence, describing a state of deep yearning.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Huffington Post

20%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "intense longing" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to express a deep and profound yearning. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, and the provided examples highlight its application across diverse contexts, primarily in news and media but also in encyclopedic and scientific sources. When using this expression, consider the emotional weight it carries and ensure it aligns with the intended tone of your writing. Alternatives like "deep yearning" or "profound desire" may be suitable depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. It's a powerful phrase to use when you are looking to add emotional depth to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deep yearning

Emphasizes the depth of the feeling.

profound desire

Highlights the depth and significance of the desire.

ardent yearning

Suggests a passionate and fervent longing.

fervent craving

Emphasizes the intensity and eagerness of the craving.

acute desire

Highlights the sharpness and poignancy of the desire.

powerful yearning

Underscores the strength and impact of the yearning.

strong yearning

Indicates a considerable degree of longing.

passionate desire

Emphasizes the emotional intensity of the desire.

consuming craving

Suggests a craving that dominates one's thoughts and actions.

deep-seated yearning

Highlights how firmly established and profound the feeling is.

FAQs

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

You can use "intense longing" to describe a deep yearning for something or someone. For example: "He felt an intense longing for his family while he was away at war".

What are some synonyms for "intense longing"?

Alternatives to "intense longing" include "deep yearning", "profound desire", or "ardent yearning", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

Yes, "intense longing" is appropriate for formal writing when you want to express a strong and deep yearning. However, ensure that the context warrants such a powerful expression.

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

"Intense longing" suggests a deeper emotional yearning, often for something unattainable or lost, while "strong desire" implies a more general and potentially achievable wish or ambition. The former conveys more emotional weight.