longing after

USAGE SUMMARY

"longing after" is a valid and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is most often used to describe intense longing or yearning for something. For example, "She spent years longing after her lost love."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

For one thing, many grievers experience intense yearning or longing after a death — more than they experience, say, denial.

The New Yorker

These unions are more like brief, rocky marriages, complete with that hint of longing after the journey finally ends.

The New York Times - Travel

Fans felt this longing after the prequels, only now it was nameable: we wanted the old "Star Wars" — our "Star Wars" — back.

The New Yorker

Fans felt this longing after the prequels, only now it was nameable: we wanted the old "Star Wars" — our "Star Wars"_ — _back.

The New Yorker

This house and its traditional decorative elements have become central to the artist's work as he reflects on his own feelings of cultural displacement and longing after moving to the United States in 1991.

The New York Times - Arts

I remember longing, after finishing Good Omens all those years ago, for another Pratchett/Gaiman book, something that was never likely to happen and is of course impossible now.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

But Michael's often sexually charged songs were more than simple tales of lust and longing; long after he had abandoned the heterosexual frisson of his early pop years Michael pushed public boundaries too.

The Guardian - Music

I was left longing, though, after such a long and detailed account of John Lennon's life, for some reflection on the deeper meaning of that life, some sense of how, nearly 30 years after his death, he shaped the world we now live in.

The Guardian - Books

While there, he finished an essay on Hamlet, arguing that the play is about "the great reality of a soul unsatisfied in its longings after immortality" and that "Hamlet has been called mad, but as we think, Shakespeare thought more of his madness than he did of the wisdom of the rest of the play".

Wikipedia

Though it's natural to feel this way, you can save these thoughts of wonder and longing for after you end your visit with the person, so you can focus on being there, enjoying every moment you have with the person, and not letting worry keep you from being fully engaged.

WikiHow

The idea of a lovely, clean, spacious room for me to luxuriate in (complete with a great tub and a fabulous shower) fills me with longing, especially after some of the Italian bathrooms I have braved.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "longing after" to convey a sense of deep yearning or desire, especially when referring to something that is lost or unattainable. For example, "She spent her life longing after the home she had left behind."

Common error

While "longing after" is acceptable, be mindful of its somewhat sentimental tone. In formal or professional writing, consider using more direct alternatives like "desiring" or "seeking" for clarity and precision.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "longing after" functions as a verb phrase, specifically expressing a state of yearning or intense desire. Ludwig AI indicates its correct usage, supported by examples in expressing sentimental or deeply felt desires.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "longing after" is a grammatically correct verb phrase used to express a deep and intense yearning for something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is commonly found in news, media, and reflective writing. While "longing for" is a more general expression, "longing after" often suggests an active, though possibly fruitless, pursuit of the desired object or experience. When writing, consider that while acceptable in most contexts, in more formal settings, alternatives like "desiring" or "seeking" may be preferred for clarity. Common alternatives include "yearning for", "pining for", and "craving for".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

longing to have

Specifically indicates a desire to possess or experience something.

yearning for

Focuses more on the emotion of yearning rather than the pursuit of something.

pining for

Implies a sense of sorrowful longing, often for something unattainable.

aching for

Emphasizes the emotional pain associated with wanting something.

craving for

Suggests a strong desire or need, often physical or emotional.

wishing for

A more general expression of wanting something, often implying it may be unlikely.

desiring

A more formal and direct expression of wanting something.

hankering for

An informal way to express a strong craving or desire.

aspiring to

Suggests a strong desire to achieve or attain something, often related to goals.

having a yen for

An informal expression indicating a sudden craving.

FAQs

How can I use "longing after" in a sentence?

You can use "longing after" to express a deep yearning or desire for something. For example, "He was "longing after" the days of his youth."

What's the difference between "longing for" and "longing after"?

"Longing for" is more common and generally refers to a general sense of missing something. "Longing after" often implies a more active, though possibly futile, pursuit of something desired.

What can I say instead of "longing after"?

You can use alternatives like "yearning for", "pining for", or "craving for" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "longing after" grammatically correct?

Yes, "longing after" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English to express a strong feeling of desire or yearning.