longing for authority

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "longing for authority" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a desire or yearning for power, control, or leadership in various contexts, such as discussions about personal aspirations or societal dynamics. Example: "In her quest for personal growth, she found herself longing for authority in her professional life, seeking roles that would allow her to lead and inspire others."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

They're on the march, angry at times, but mostly needful, longing for authority's blessing, its validation of their chosen identities.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

At the Philharmonic, as at most American orchestras, there is an ancestral longing for accented authority.

The New Yorker

That is partly why many traditionalist Anglicans found themselves longing for the authority, and relative clarity, of Rome.

The New Yorker

The dependent mind-set inherent to power distance orientation is also related to one's longing for care from authority figures.

Frontiers of Business Research in China

Stymied by a lack of health insurance, fearful of the medical centers' potential connections to immigration authorities and longing for familiar remedies dispensed by someone who speaks their language, many of the city's immigrants have been driven to create their own complex methods of getting health care.

The New York Times

Longing for retribution is longing for retribution.

The Economist

Leicester have certainly passed the ball with more authority and penetration this season and for large parts of the second half a nervous crowd was longing for the final whistle.

The Guardian - Sport

A longing for more.

The New York Times

— Increased longing for community.

The New York Times

We're longing for something.

University of California, Berkeley

The longing for the girl is a longing to write.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "longing for authority", consider the connotations of the word "longing", which implies a sense of yearning or lack. Ensure this aligns with your intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "longing for authority" when you simply mean "seeking authority" if you don't intend to convey a sense of unfulfilled desire or wistfulness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "longing for authority" functions as a noun phrase that expresses a strong desire or yearning for power, control, or validation. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "longing for authority" expresses a deep desire for power, control, or validation from those in positions of authority. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is grammatically correct. While not exceedingly common, the phrase appears in reputable sources like The Guardian and The New Yorker. It is important to consider the connotations of "longing" when using this phrase, ensuring it accurately reflects the intended meaning of yearning or unfulfilled desire.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

yearning for control

Focuses on the desire for control as a component of authority.

desiring leadership

Highlights the aspiration for leadership positions and responsibilities.

craving influence

Emphasizes the strong desire to have an impact on others.

seeking command

Suggests a pursuit of positions of command and power.

aspiring to dominance

Indicates a goal of achieving a dominant position.

wanting power

Simple expression of the desire for power.

needing validation from authority

Highlights the requirement for approval from those in positions of authority.

hankering after authority

Uses a less common word ('hankering') to convey a strong desire.

pining for authority

Emphasizes a sorrowful or wistful desire for authority.

having a strong desire for authority

A more verbose but direct expression of the core concept.

FAQs

How can I use "longing for authority" in a sentence?

"Longing for authority" expresses a yearning or desire for power, control, or validation from figures of authority. For example: 'The almost-educated young are on the march, at times angry, but mostly needful, "longing for authority's" blessing'.

What are some alternatives to "longing for authority"?

You can use alternatives such as "yearning for control", "desiring leadership", or "craving influence" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "longing of authority" instead of "longing for authority"?

No, the correct preposition to use with "longing" in this context is "for". "Longing of authority" is grammatically incorrect. It is correct to say "longing for authority".

What does it mean to have a "longing for authority"?

Having a "longing for authority" suggests a deep-seated desire to possess power, influence, or control, often stemming from a perceived lack of it. It can also indicate a need for validation or approval from established figures.