longed to have

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "longed to have" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a strong desire or yearning for something that one wishes to possess or experience. Example: "She longed to have a peaceful life away from the chaos of the city."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

But the orchestra life was not for him, and he longed to have a solo career.

Yale University

"I have longed to have you with me," he wrote from a cruise to Panama.

The New York Times - Travel

"Our community longed to have this empty lot vacated and constructed as soon as possible".

The New York Times

Though Chappelle looked like a boy, you could see that he longed to have the authority of a father.

The New Yorker

One female member said: "I always longed to have a small business, but I lacked the capital to start it".

The Guardian

Over the years, how I've longed to have a Proustian moment with one of those hoppers – light pancakes made with a batter of fermented rice and coconut milk.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

And he longs to have his vultures back again.

The Guardian - Books

I so long to have a nap.

The New York Times

Germans may long to have the Bundesbank in charge again.

The Economist

The world longs to have its bleakness counteracted.

The Guardian - Books

How one longs to have seen Grimaldi's theatre.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "longed to have" with vivid imagery or sensory details to enhance the emotional impact of your writing. For example, "She longed to have the warmth of the sun on her skin again."

Common error

Avoid using "longed to have" repeatedly within a short passage. Vary your language by incorporating synonyms or related phrases such as "yearned to possess" or "desired to acquire" to maintain reader engagement and prevent monotony.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "longed to have" functions as a verb phrase expressing a strong desire or yearning for something. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its use across various contexts to convey a deep sense of wanting.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Academia

13%

Science

13%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "longed to have" effectively communicates a deep and often wistful desire or yearning. Ludwig AI indicates that it's grammatically correct and commonly used. While versatile across various contexts, it's essential to consider the emotional tone and audience, especially in more formal writing where alternative options might be more appropriate. While generally acceptable, remember to avoid overuse and consider synonyms to maintain reader engagement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

felt a longing for

Directly expresses the feeling of longing.

yearned to possess

Emphasizes a deep yearning for ownership or control.

desired to acquire

Focuses on the act of gaining something desired.

was eager to have

Indicates enthusiasm and anticipation.

craved to experience

Highlights a strong desire for a specific experience.

was keen to own

Highlights the desire for ownership in a more enthusiastic tone.

wished to obtain

A more formal way of expressing a desire to get something.

hankered for

Suggests a persistent and perhaps nostalgic longing.

had a thirst for

Suggests an intense and almost insatiable desire.

had a strong inclination for

Implies a powerful preference or tendency.

FAQs

How can I use "longed to have" in a sentence?

You can use "longed to have" to express a deep desire for something. For example, "She longed to have a garden filled with roses" or "He longed to have the opportunity to travel the world".

What are some alternatives to "longed to have"?

Alternatives include "yearned to possess", "desired to acquire", or "craved to experience" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "longed to have" or "wanted to have"?

"Longed to have" implies a deeper, more emotional desire than "wanted to have". Use "longed to have" when you want to emphasize the intensity of the yearning.

Can "longed to have" be used in formal writing?

While "longed to have" is generally acceptable, consider the tone and audience. In highly formal contexts, alternatives like "wished to obtain" might be more appropriate.