long sought for

USAGE SUMMARY

"long sought for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to things or goals that someone has been wanting or searching for a long time. For example, "This discovery of a new species of whale has been long sought for by marine biologists."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

In 1796 Park, who had traveled inland from the Gambia, saw "the long sought for majestic Niger flowing slowly eastwards".

Encyclopedia Britannica

Some journalists were also told that al-Harethi, long sought for a role in the bombing of the U.S.S.

The New Yorker

Long sought for wigs and toupees, human hair is now in particularly high demand for hair extension procedures in more affluent countries.

The New York Times

While it has already staked claims in the health, hygiene and home sectors, the company has long sought for a way to enter the fast-growing vitamin field.

The New York Times

Even before President Trump, the United States has long sought for Saudi Arabia to sign a nuclear cooperation agreement that would include strict bans on the enrichment of uranium.

The Washington Post

As global commodity prices have plummeted and several of China's African partners have stumbled deeper into chaos, China has backed away from some of its riskiest and most aggressive plans, looking for the same guarantees that Western companies have long sought for their investments: economic and political stability.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

The biologically active rIAGs generated might facilitate commercially feasible solutions for the long sought techniques for sex-change induction and monosex population culture in crustaceans and shed new light on the physiological mode of action of IAG in crustaceans.

General and Comparative Endocrinology

Small groups of Breton separatists have long sought autonomy for Brittany, which has maintained a strong cultural identity reflecting the Bretons' Celtic origins.

The New York Times

And so, in a cruel twist, a country that has long sought redress for the past abduction of a few dozen citizens by the North Korean state tacitly supports vast numbers of abductions each year at home.

The Economist

Human rights activists, leaders, the young and the elderly marched, determined to attain the long sought right for black people in America to vote.

HuffPost

3D printing has been a long sought after technology for manufacturing, for its ability to create unique, customized products.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "long sought for" to describe goals, objects, or solutions that have been actively pursued for an extended period, especially when emphasizing the duration and effort involved in the search.

Common error

Avoid using "long sought for" for items or solutions that have only been desired or needed for a short duration. It should truly reflect a sustained period of searching or wanting.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "long sought for" functions primarily as an adjective phrase. It modifies a noun, describing something that has been searched for or desired for a considerable amount of time. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "long sought for" is a grammatically correct adjective phrase that effectively conveys the extended duration and intensity of a search or desire. Ludwig confirms its usability. While not exceedingly common, it appears most frequently in News & Media and Scientific contexts, suggesting a neutral to formal register. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects a sustained period of seeking or wanting, as misapplication can diminish its impact. Alternatives like "long-desired" or "eagerly pursued" may offer nuanced expressions depending on the specific emphasis desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

long-desired

Focuses on the desire aspect rather than the active seeking.

long-awaited

Emphasizes anticipation and expectation over a long time.

eagerly pursued

Highlights the enthusiasm and effort in the pursuit.

extensively searched for

Focuses on the thoroughness of the search process.

persistently sought

Highlights the tenacity and endurance in seeking something.

long-term quest for

Uses "quest" to emphasize a challenging journey.

historical search for

Indicates that the search has spanned a significant period in history.

something yearned for

Expresses a deep longing or desire.

something craved for

Indicates a strong and intense desire.

in demand for a long time

Shifts the focus to the high level of necessity.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "long sought for" in a sentence?

Use "long sought for" to describe something people have been actively trying to find or achieve over a considerable amount of time. For instance, "The cure for this disease has been "long sought for" by researchers."

What phrases are similar in meaning to "long sought for"?

Alternatives include "long-desired", "long-awaited", or "eagerly pursued". The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize desire, anticipation, or effort.

Is it grammatically correct to say "long sought for"?

Yes, "long sought for" is grammatically sound. It is commonly used and accepted in written English as an adjective phrase.

When is it inappropriate to use "long sought for"?

Avoid using "long sought for" when referring to something that has only recently become desirable or the object of a search. The phrase implies a significant duration of seeking or desiring.