long wished

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "long wished" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a desire or hope that has been held for an extended period of time. Example: "After years of hard work, she finally achieved her long wished dream of becoming a published author."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

GORDON BROWN, the chancellor, has long wished to close Britain's productivity gap with other countries.

The Economist

As an adventurous woman, I have long wished to travel to this country.

The New York Times

John Gagliardi has long wished for his son Jim, Billy's father and the Johnnies longtime offensive coordinator, to succeed him.

The New York Times - Sports

I had long wished the thousandth goal over and done with but never so much on this day.

The Guardian - Sport

Any unflattering details of that victory are rarely discussed.Yet the survey was merely a convenient pretext for those in the Kremlin who long wished the channel ill.

The Economist

In 1993 he became the obituaries editor of The Times of London, a job he had long wished for as his final destination in journalism.

The New York Times

Dr Bronner's Organic Rose Castile Liquid Soap: £1.99, drbronner.co.uk Backpackers have long wished for a liquid that will do everything - and here it is.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

The Bastard Box also includes the long wished-for Bourbon Barrel-Aged Arrogant Bastard.  .

Los Angeles Times

Its conception was in 2004, in Iceland's age of financial hallucination, when consortia of banks, architects and others were invited to bid for the privilege of building the home, long wished-for in this music-loving country, of concerts and opera.

The Guardian - Arts

Not every visitor during the games is an extra one; tourists may time long-wished-for trips to watch the sport.

The Economist

Given her cold-call approach to her aunt, Deborah was braced for rejection but found she was welcomed into a big, warm family, complete with the long-wished-for sibling in Britain – her half-sister Kate, who lives in Scotland.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "long wished", consider if the emphasis is on the duration of the desire or the intensity of the feeling. Choose synonyms like "earnestly hoped for" or "deeply desired" to better convey the intended meaning.

Common error

While grammatically sound, "long wished" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "always wanted" or "had been dreaming of" in everyday situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "long wished" functions as a pre-modifying adjective phrase, typically used to describe something that has been desired or hoped for over a considerable period of time. This usage is supported by Ludwig, which confirms its correctness and provides numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Wiki

8%

Science

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "long wished" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe something that has been desired or hoped for over a significant period. Ludwig confirms its validity and offers a multitude of examples demonstrating its usage across various contexts, primarily in news and media. While it's generally appropriate for neutral to formal settings, more casual alternatives might be preferable in informal conversations. When using "long wished", consider the specific nuance you want to convey – whether the duration of the desire or its intensity – and choose synonyms accordingly. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and widely applicable, making it a valuable addition to your writing repertoire.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deeply desired

Emphasizes the intensity of the desire more than the duration.

longed for intensely

Combines the duration and intensity of the desire.

greatly yearned for

Implies a strong emotional longing.

earnestly hoped for

Focuses on the hope aspect of the wish, with a tone of sincerity.

had always wanted

Shifts the focus to a continuous desire spanning a significant period.

had hoped for for a long time

Explicitly states the duration of the hope.

anticipated for years

Highlights the anticipation leading up to the fulfillment of the wish.

had been dreaming of

Suggests a more passive, wistful desire.

cherished for ages

Implies a deep emotional attachment to the wish.

patiently awaited

Emphasizes the waiting aspect of the wish.

FAQs

How can I use "long wished" in a sentence?

The phrase "long wished" typically precedes a noun or a 'to + verb' construction, indicating something that someone has desired for a significant period. For example, "She achieved her long wished goal" or "They long wished to travel the world".

What are some alternatives to "long wished"?

You can use alternatives such as "deeply desired", "earnestly hoped for", or "always wanted" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "long wished for" grammatically correct?

Yes, "long wished for" is grammatically correct. The 'for' can be added to emphasize that the wishing is directed toward something specific. Example: "the long-wished-for vacation".

What is the difference between "long wished" and "long desired"?

While both phrases express a prolonged feeling, "long wished" often implies a hope or aspiration, whereas "long desired" suggests a stronger sense of wanting or craving something. They can often be used interchangeably, but the specific context should guide your choice.