longing for someone

USAGE SUMMARY

"longing for someone" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It can be used to express a strong desire or yearning for someone's presence, love, or company. It is typically used in a romantic or emotional context. Example: After years of separation, Sarah still found herself longing for Tom, wishing she could be by his side once again.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

By which point, the audience is longing for someone to saw the cast in half.

The Guardian - Film

I thought about the young vaqueros sitting under the stars, feeling lonely — perhaps longing for someone — and slowly becoming men.

The New York Times

McAdams has had so many time-travellers professing their undying love, she must be longing for someone who never leaves her own historical period.

The Guardian

Just when the flurry of Chekhov revivals seemed to be abating, just when I was longing for someone to take on Ibsen instead, an unmissable occasion presents itself.

The Guardian

She has also become one of the fiercest critics of Mr. Obama's policies at a time that Republican voters are longing for someone who can reclaim the White House from the Democratic Party.

The New York Times

One of the best-known myths, however, begins with Parvati taking a bath and longing for someone to keep Shiva from barging in on her, as was his habit.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

But let's admit that a steady diet of those three shows -- not to mention "Hannibal," "The Walking Dead," "Breaking Bad," "Broadchurch," "House of Cards" and "The Bridge," and even meat-and-potatoes shows like "Arrow" and "Supernatural" -- can leave you longing for the someone, somewhere, to enjoy something.

Huffington Post

Their music is deep and introspective, leaving you longing for that special someone.

Vice

The hard things are the ones that make sense, that have good things about them, that would be good for you and likely others if they could work out -- like longing for love from someone, or wishing more people would come to your store, or hoping that you're free of cancer -- but, alas, are either not worth the price or it's sadly clear that you just can't make them happen.

Huffington Post

"I see a lot of men in business who are longing for a wife, for someone by their side.

The New York Times

I caught myself longing for a drunken brawl, someone in the bed of someone they shouldn't be with, some pretty girl's big stink on a spiral staircase.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "longing for someone" to express a deep emotional yearning, especially when the object of the longing is a person you miss or desire to be with.

Common error

While "longing for someone" is acceptable in general writing, be mindful of its emotional intensity. In formal or professional contexts, consider using more neutral phrases like "missing someone's expertise" or "desiring collaboration with someone".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "longing for someone" functions as a verb phrase expressing a state of intense desire or yearning. It typically acts as a complement to a subject, indicating what the subject deeply desires. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is common and grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "longing for someone" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase used to express a deep emotional yearning or desire for a person. Ludwig confirms its validity and general acceptance in the English language. It is most frequently found in News & Media contexts, with a neutral register that allows for emotional expression. While versatile, it's important to consider the context and avoid overuse in formal settings where more neutral alternatives might be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

yearning for someone's presence

Focuses on the desire for someone to be nearby.

pining for someone's affection

Emphasizes a deep desire for love and emotional connection.

aching for someone's touch

Highlights a craving for physical intimacy and closeness.

craving someone's company

Focuses on the desire for companionship and shared experiences.

desiring someone's return

Implies that the person is not present and there's a desire for them to come back.

missing someone intensely

Highlights the feeling of absence and emotional pain caused by it.

hankering after someone

Suggests a persistent and strong desire for someone.

having a strong desire for someone

More formal way to express a strong feeling of wanting someone.

feeling a deep yearning for someone

Emphasizes the profound and emotional nature of the longing.

wanting someone desperately

Conveys a sense of urgency and emotional need.

FAQs

What does "longing for someone" mean?

It signifies a deep yearning or desire for someone's presence, affection, or companionship, often accompanied by feelings of sadness or missing them.

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

You can use alternatives like "yearning for someone", "pining for someone", or "missing someone intensely" depending on the specific emotion you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "longing for someone"?

Yes, "longing for someone" is grammatically correct and a common expression in English to describe a strong desire or yearning for a person.

How does "longing for someone" differ from "missing someone"?

"Missing someone" implies a sense of absence, while "longing for someone" suggests a deeper, more emotional yearning that goes beyond simply acknowledging their absence. It includes a strong desire for their presence and affection.