left wishing for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "left wishing for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a feeling of longing or desire for something that is not present or has not happened. Example: "After the concert ended, I was left wishing for more songs to be played."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Those sitting in the stands were left wishing for hard hats by the end.

The Guardian - Sport

The procession of images is interesting evocative, even though occasionally one is left wishing for a bit of analysis, lyricism or insight.

The Economist

But this reader was left wishing for a bit more calamity in the metamorphosis from batty granny to marmish grandma and back.

The New York Times - Books

But the complexity of the cuisine does not in most cases contribute to the tastiness of the food, and I am left wishing for something more straightforward.

The New York Times

Employers expect a miraculous transformation -- and employees are left wishing for something far more valuable from their leaders. .

Huffington Post

By the end, readers may be left wishing for more of a payoff for the journey, but they can take comfort in how pleasurable, like one of de Potter's tours, the journey itself was.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

One of Baleen's most highly touted appetizers, for example, is the lobster martini, lobster meat atop whipped potatoes flavored with truffles and served in a martini glass, a combination that left me wishing for the real thing.

The New York Times - Travel

The details of Foujita's fascinating life left me wishing for more: more on his summer with Modigliani, more on his friendship with Desnos, more on his sojourn in Cuba.

The New York Times

A tuna trio (tartare, poached and seared), left me wishing for more; the grilled calamari was tender, and its juices, along with those of roasted red peppers, added depth to the vinaigrette-dressed arugula salad beneath.

The New York Times

This week the weather turned a corner and the looming summer season hit me straight in the face - and left me wishing for a summer vacation spent lazily lying on sandy beaches sipping drinks with orchids floating in them.

Huffington Post

The film left me wishing for more live action footage, in particular Liza Minelli's Euro-formality-smashing performance, and longing to hear some of the music to which the models, a bold and beautiful mix of exquisite facial-types and ethnicities, strutted and swirled.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "left wishing for", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being desired or longed for. This adds clarity and impact to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "left wishing for" when a simple statement of fact or observation is more appropriate. This phrase implies a degree of longing or regret that might be overstated in certain situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "left wishing for" functions as a verbal phrase expressing a state of longing or unfulfilled desire following a particular experience or situation. Ludwig confirms its proper usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "left wishing for" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to convey a sense of longing or unfulfilled desire. Ludwig's analysis indicates that it's most commonly found in news and media contexts, suggesting a neutral register. While alternatives like "desiring more" or "longing for more" exist, "left wishing for" effectively communicates a specific feeling of wanting something more after a particular experience. When using this phrase, ensure that the context clearly defines the object of desire to enhance clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

desiring more

Focuses on the desire for additional quantity or experience.

longing for more

Emphasizes a deep and persistent yearning.

yearning for

Highlights a strong feeling of missing something.

wanting more of

Suggests a desire for a greater portion or continuation.

craving more

Implies a strong, almost addictive desire.

feeling a lack of

Focuses on the absence of something desired.

wishing there was more

Expresses a simple regret for insufficient quantity.

hoping for more

Indicates a desire combined with a degree of anticipation.

regretting the absence of

Emphasizes the feeling of regret over something missing.

missing out on

Highlights the feeling of having lost an opportunity or experience.

FAQs

How can I use "left wishing for" in a sentence?

You can use "left wishing for" to express a feeling of longing or desire after an experience. For example, "The movie was good, but it "left wishing for" a stronger ending".

What does "left wishing for" mean?

"Left wishing for" means feeling a sense of longing or desire for something more after an event or experience. It suggests that something was lacking or incomplete.

Are there alternatives to "left wishing for"?

Yes, you can use alternatives like "longing for more", "desiring more", or "yearning for" depending on the context and the intensity of the feeling you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "left wishing for"?

Yes, "left wishing for" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English to express a feeling of longing or desire.