longing for knowledge

USAGE SUMMARY

"longing for knowledge" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to express a strong desire for knowledge or understanding. For example: She was overwhelmed with a deep longing for knowledge, so she enrolled in college.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

They gave voice to the age-old adolescent longing for knowledge — of self, of love, of the world.

The New York Times - Arts

And it thrived again during the late 18th and 19th centuries (in Goethe, Gounod, Berlioz, Liszt and Schumann) when the longing for knowledge and experience helped define Romanticism.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Longing for retribution is longing for retribution.

The Economist

(SUD + ASD 2) I was longing for a relationship for a long time, because that's the standard.

BMC Psychiatry

— Increased longing for community.

The New York Times

We're longing for something.

University of California, Berkeley

Readers are left longing for a sequel.

The Economist

"Wow," I said, longing for a photo.

The New York Times

I understood what they were longing for.

The New York Times

I was longing for the Bee Gees.

The New Yorker

People are longing for this.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "longing for knowledge" to express a deep, emotional yearning for understanding, often associated with personal growth or overcoming ignorance.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "longing for knowledge" can sound overly dramatic in formal or scientific writing. Consider using more neutral phrases like "desire for knowledge" or "interest in knowledge" in such contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "longing for knowledge" functions as a noun phrase expressing a deep desire or yearning. It describes a state of wanting to acquire information and understanding. Ludwig examples show it modifying individuals or defining eras.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "longing for knowledge" is a grammatically correct phrase used to express a deep and emotional desire for understanding. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While relatively uncommon, it appears in diverse contexts like news, academia, and science. When writing, remember that although it is correct, the phrase might be too emotive for formal or scientific papers, so it might be better to opt for alternatives like "desire for knowledge" or "hunger for knowledge".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

craving for knowledge

Emphasizes an intense desire, similar to an addiction.

hunger for knowledge

Highlights a fundamental need, like the need for food.

thirst for knowledge

Implies a strong desire that needs to be quenched.

yearning for knowledge

Highlights the emotional aspect of wanting knowledge.

desire for knowledge

A more general term for wanting knowledge.

quest for knowledge

Emphasizes the active pursuit of knowledge.

appetite for knowledge

Similar to hunger, suggesting a liking for knowledge.

passion for knowledge

Emphasizes enthusiasm and strong interest in knowledge.

search for knowledge

Focuses on the investigative process of gaining knowledge.

pursuit of knowledge

Highlights the continuous effort to obtain knowledge.

FAQs

What does "longing for knowledge" mean?

The phrase "longing for knowledge" expresses a deep and intense desire to learn and understand, often with an emotional or aspirational quality. It suggests a craving for understanding that goes beyond simple curiosity.

What can I say instead of "longing for knowledge"?

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

Is "longing for knowledge" a formal or informal expression?

"Longing for knowledge" is generally considered a more emotive and slightly less formal expression. In highly formal or scientific contexts, a phrase like "desire for knowledge" might be more appropriate.

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

You can use "longing for knowledge" to describe someone's deep desire to learn and understand something. For example: "Her longing for knowledge drove her to pursue a PhD in astrophysics."