longing for one

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "longing for one" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a deep desire or yearning for a specific person or thing. Example: "After years of searching, she found herself longing for one true connection in her life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

Given that voters don't seem likely to deliver up a noticeably more pro-Corbyn PLP, Labour activists longing for one are going to have to rely on their own efforts instead.

The Guardian - Opinion

Many afternoons I have stood fishless on the bow of a Keys flats boat, longing for one of those places with so many bonefish that catching them becomes almost stupid.

The New York Times - Sports

But I think that for what I do, it's probably better to feel nomadic than to have a constant sense of longing for one place.

The New York Times - Arts

Perhaps this was because I felt at the time as if I were flying hopelessly around the world and searching for land, longing for one of those islands of stability some of us keep looking for in our 20s, a braceleted wrist held up to the face, hand shielding our eyes from the harsh sun of adulthood, not realizing that we will have to build that island for ourselves.

The New York Times

And I'm not longing for one of the gigantesque lobsters served up at the Palm steakhouses either.

Los Angeles Times

It takes only one scalding under a strange shower, or a few minutes trying to puzzle out the snooze functions ("dream time"?) on a complex alarm clock, to stir a longing for one's real home.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

"Take the Crown is the big, brash, confident Robbie Williams pop record that his fans have been longing for," offered one preview approvingly quoted on the singer's website.

The Guardian - Music

Of course when I was starting "Bel Canto," I was longing for just one more book about a gay magician, and so on, backward.

The New York Times - Arts

His father would not have been so driven and demanding, longing for Cuba on the one hand and hounding his children to become American successes on the other.

The New York Times - Sports

Remember the ones with the tired eyes from the sleepless nights, lying awake and longing for the little one who captured their momma heart from the instant they met.

Huffington Post

(10) After the arrival at the emergency unit the informants remembered longing for their loved ones to come and pay attention to them due to their feeling of loneliness.

BMC Nursing

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "longing for one" to convey a sense of deep yearning for a specific, often unattainable, object or experience.

Common error

Avoid using "longing for one" when the desire is for something general or nonspecific; instead, consider phrases like "desiring connection" or "yearning for companionship".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "longing for one" functions as a verb phrase expressing a state of yearning or intense desire. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. Examples show it used to describe a desire for connection, stability, or a specific experience.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science

11%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "longing for one" is a versatile expression used to convey a deep sense of yearning for something specific. As Ludwig AI points out, it is grammatically correct and usable in English. It's frequently found in News & Media. While alternatives like "yearning for someone" or "desiring a partner" exist, they shift the focus slightly. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly indicates what the longing is directed toward, as its open-ended nature can sometimes lead to ambiguity. Remember to maintain specificity in your writing to accurately convey the sentiment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

yearning for someone

Changes the focus from an unspecified entity to a specific person.

desiring a partner

Specifies the object of longing as a romantic partner.

craving companionship

Emphasizes the need for social connection and friendship.

pining for someone

Implies a deep and often melancholic longing.

aching for connection

Highlights the emotional pain associated with the lack of connection.

wanting affection

Expresses a desire for tenderness and care.

needing intimacy

Focuses on the desire for close, personal relationships.

in search of solace

Shifts the focus to finding comfort and relief from distress.

hankering for something

Uses a more colloquial term to express a strong desire.

seeking fulfillment

Broadens the scope to encompass a general desire for satisfaction.

FAQs

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

You can use "longing for one" to express a deep desire for a specific thing or person. For instance, "After years of solitude, she found herself "longing for one" true connection in her life."

What are some alternatives to "longing for one"?

Depending on the context, you might use phrases like "yearning for someone", "desiring a partner", or "craving companionship".

Is it more appropriate to say "longing for one" or "longing for someone"?

The choice depends on whether you are longing for a thing or a person. "Longing for one" is suitable when the object of desire is unspecified or abstract, while "longing for someone" refers specifically to a person.

What does "longing for one" imply about the nature of the desire?

"Longing for one" suggests a deep, often unfulfilled, and somewhat melancholic desire for a specific thing or experience that is currently absent from one's life.