longing for something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "longing for something" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a deep desire or yearning for something that is often unattainable or distant. Example: "After years of living in the city, she found herself longing for the quiet and simplicity of her childhood home."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

For me, Samsung has fallen short - but the effort should excite gadget fans who have been longing for something different for so long.

BBC

We're longing for something.

University of California, Berkeley

'Tristan und Isolde" is about longing for something you never reach.

The Washington Post

"People are longing for something that they are not getting elsewhere.

The Guardian

He was limping, maxed out on a diet of Kind bars and chips and longing for something hot to eat.

Independent

But after reading so much of her uninflected prose, I can't help longing for something a bit more full throated.

The New York Times - Books

Her descriptions of this ancient landscape are full of longing for something new that is also something lost: "Yellow water.

The New York Times - Books

In counterpoint, René's descendants drift and are sometimes forced into different lives, gradually absorbed into the white world but always longing for something that has been lost.

The New Yorker

When the last chord is struck and you're still longing for something late-night and local, discover the bacon dog craze on your walk home.

The New York Times - Travel

People who fill their doodles with stars may be longing for something they were deprived of, like love or affection". Men, says Burns, tend to doodle geometric shapes.

The Washington Post

"Saudade," the famous Portuguese word that has no apt translation, could be described as a profound state of longing for something you love.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "longing for something" to convey a sense of deep yearning or unfulfilled desire. It effectively expresses a wistful or melancholic sentiment.

Common error

While "longing for something" is appropriate for expressing a sense of lack or desire, avoid using it in contexts where a positive expectation or anticipation is more suitable. For example, instead of "I'm longing for the party", consider "I'm looking forward to the party."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "longing for something" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb or noun, expressing a state of yearning or desire. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "longing for something" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to express a deep yearning or desire, often for something unattainable. Ludwig's analysis of numerous examples reveals its frequent use in News & Media, Academia, and other contexts. While versatile, it’s important to consider the emotional weight of the phrase and ensure it fits the intended tone. Alternatives like "yearning for something" or "craving something" may be more suitable depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

yearning for something

Similar in meaning, but perhaps suggesting a slightly deeper or more sentimental desire.

longing after something

An alternative construction with the same core meaning.

craving something

Implies a strong desire, often for something specific and tangible.

desiring something

A more formal and general way of expressing a wish or want.

wishing for something

Suggests a hope or fantasy, often for something unlikely to happen.

hankering for something

Suggests a persistent and perhaps slightly whimsical desire.

pining for something

Indicates a deep and often sorrowful longing.

aching for something

Emphasizes the pain and intensity of the longing.

thirsting for something

Suggests a strong need, often for knowledge or experience.

in search of something

Focuses on the act of actively seeking something desired.

FAQs

What does "longing for something" mean?

The phrase "longing for something" describes a strong feeling of wanting or desiring something, often something that is difficult or impossible to obtain. It implies a sense of yearning and sometimes sadness.

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

You can use alternatives such as "yearning for something", "craving something", or "desiring something" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "longing for something" formal or informal?

The phrase "longing for something" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though it may lean slightly towards the informal side due to its emotional connotation.

How does "longing for something" differ from "wishing for something"?

"Longing for something" suggests a deeper, more intense desire than "wishing for something". "Wishing" often implies a simple hope, while "longing" suggests a significant emotional investment and often a sense of absence or loss.