long to be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "long to be" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used when expressing a strong, deep desire for something. For example, "She longed to be free from her restrictive lifestyle."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

We long to be fooled.

The New York Times - Books

I long to be pregnant again.

The New York Times

Did he long to be famous?

The New York Times

I long to be crucified".

The Guardian - Books

Bones long to be broken.

The New Yorker

"You long to be part of society".

The New York Times

I long to be a part of something like this.

Independent

Two and a half hours long, to be precise.

The New York Times

I had roamed the range too long to be haltered".

The New Yorker

Is that too long to be a tagline?

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

I longed to be kissed.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "long to be" to express a deep, heartfelt desire for a state or condition. Ensure the context clearly indicates what is being desired.

Common error

Avoid using "long to be" for trivial or fleeting desires. The phrase implies a significant and heartfelt yearning, so reserve it for appropriate situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "long to be" functions as an infinitive phrase, expressing a strong desire or yearning for a particular state or condition. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "long to be" is a powerful and grammatically sound way to express a deep, heartfelt desire. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and frequent usage across diverse contexts, from news and media to scientific publications. While versatile, it's best reserved for expressing significant yearnings rather than trivial wants. Related phrases like "yearn to be" or "aspire to be" can offer alternative shades of meaning. Remember to use "long to be" when you want to convey a profound emotional connection to a desired state.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

yearn to be

Replaces "long" with "yearn", emphasizing a deep, emotional longing.

desire to be

Substitutes "long" with "desire", focusing on a strong wish or want.

crave to be

Uses "crave" instead of "long", highlighting an intense and compelling need.

aspire to be

Replaces "long" with "aspire", shifting the focus to a goal or ambition.

wish to be

Substitutes "long" with "wish", indicating a hope or desire for something.

hope to be

Uses "hope" instead of "long", suggesting a more optimistic anticipation.

dream to be

Replaces "long" with "dream", implying a visionary or imaginative desire.

eager to be

Substitutes "long" with "eager", emphasizing enthusiasm and anticipation.

hunger to be

Uses "hunger" instead of "long", conveying a strong, almost desperate need.

have a strong desire to be

Expands the phrase to explicitly state a strong desire, adding emphasis.

FAQs

How can I use "long to be" in a sentence?

Use "long to be" to express a deep desire for something. For example, "She "longed to be" free from her restrictive lifestyle" or "They "longed to be" part of something bigger than themselves".

What are some alternatives to "long to be"?

You can use alternatives like "yearn to be", "desire to be", or "aspire to be" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "long to be" formal or informal?

"Long to be" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it is generally more common in literary or expressive writing. It conveys a sense of deep yearning or desire, which can be appropriate in various settings.

How does "long to be" differ from "want to be"?

"Long to be" expresses a much deeper and more profound desire than "want to be". "Want to be" is a more general and casual expression of wanting something, while "long to be" implies a strong, heartfelt yearning.