longed-for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "longed-for" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that has been desired or wished for over a period of time. Example: "After years of waiting, she finally held her longed-for diploma in her hands."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

It's his longed-for comfort zone.

The New York Times

Longed-for escapes never happen.

The New York Times - Books

The longed-for tidal wave.

Huffington Post

(So much for that longed-for private time).

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Longed for it.

Huffington Post

I longed for help.

The New York Times

He longed for war.

The New Yorker

He longed for more.

The New Yorker

Ratmansky longed for this assignment.

The New Yorker

We longed for unruly.

The New York Times

Tucker longed for success.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "longed-for" to add emotional weight and a sense of extended anticipation to your descriptions. It's particularly effective when describing reunions, achievements, or resolutions to long-standing problems.

Common error

Avoid using "longed-for" in overly casual or informal settings. Its somewhat formal and evocative nature can sound unnatural if used to describe trivial desires or everyday occurrences. Opt for simpler alternatives like "desired" or "wanted" in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "longed-for" functions primarily as a compound adjective. It modifies a noun, describing something that has been strongly desired or anticipated for an extended period. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's correct and usable status in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "longed-for" functions as a compound adjective used to describe something that has been intensely desired over a period of time. Ludwig AI confirms that the expression is correct. While its frequency is relatively rare, its use is generally appropriate in news and media contexts. When choosing to use "longed-for", bear in mind that while mostly used in news, it's evocative so best deployed in formal writing. Related alternatives include "eagerly awaited" and "much-desired", offering similar nuances. Overall, "longed-for" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase, especially suited for emphasizing deep and sustained desires.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

long-awaited

Emphasizes the length of time spent waiting for something.

eagerly awaited

Focuses on the anticipation of something, suggesting excitement and positive expectation.

yearned-for

Highlights a deep, emotional longing.

much-desired

Emphasizes the strength of the desire for something.

wished-for

Implies a hopeful desire, often associated with dreams or aspirations.

hoped-for

Focuses on the element of hope in desiring something.

anticipated

Focuses on the expectation of something happening, without necessarily implying strong desire.

desired

A simpler, more direct synonym, lacking the emotional depth of "longed-for".

sought-after

Highlights the value or desirability of something.

coveted

Suggests a strong desire, often with a hint of envy or possessiveness.

FAQs

How to use "longed-for" in a sentence?

"Longed-for" is an adjective that describes something that has been desired for a long time. For example, "The end of the pandemic was a "longed-for" event."

What can I say instead of "longed-for"?

You can use alternatives like "eagerly awaited", "much-desired", or "yearned-for" depending on the context.

Is "longed for" the same as "longed-for"?

Yes, they convey similar meaning. "Longed-for" is a compound adjective, while "longed for" functions as a verb followed by a preposition. The compound adjective emphasizes the state of being desired. The meaning is very similar.

When is it appropriate to use "longed-for"?

"Longed-for" is appropriate when you want to emphasize the duration and intensity of the desire for something. It is best used in formal or sentimental contexts.