longing to be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "longing to be" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a deep desire or yearning for a particular state or condition. Example: "She was always longing to be free, to explore the world without any constraints."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Huffington Post

The New Yorker

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Here were people longing to be free.

Independent

My limbs felt as if they were filled with tight little springs, longing to be released.

The New Yorker

"I kept under the radar, because I was so longing to be 40.

Independent

The passengers are pressed against the glass, longing to be out there with the rest.

The New Yorker

Filmed in Mexico, the scenery is stupendous and leaves me breathless with longing to be there.

The Guardian

Just longing to be out of this and back into a life of dull routines.

The Guardian - Books

Looking for Alibrandi, Melina Marchetta I spent most of my teenage years longing to be older.

The Guardian - Books

Yet, longing to be loved is at the core of the play.

The New York Times

Perhaps it's because I'm more conscious of things, longing to be rooted and safe.

The Guardian - Opinion

What's wrong with wanting to win, with longing to be good at something?

The Guardian - Opinion

I mainly remember longing to be somewhere else — it didn't matter whether it was the future or the past.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "longing to be" to convey a sense of deep yearning or unfulfilled desire. This phrase is particularly effective when describing emotional states or aspirations.

Common error

While "longing to be" is acceptable in many contexts, avoid overusing it in formal or business writing. Opt for more professional alternatives like "aspiring to be" or "seeking to become" for a polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "longing to be" functions as an infinitive phrase, typically used as part of a larger clause to express a deep yearning or desire for a particular state or condition. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Huffington Post

25%

The New Yorker

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

The Guardian

5%

The New York Times

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "longing to be" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, predominantly found in news and media, as well as platforms like the Huffington Post. As Ludwig AI confirms, it effectively conveys a deep sense of yearning or unfulfilled desire, covering a broad range of emotional and aspirational contexts. While versatile, mindful use is recommended in formal contexts, possibly opting for alternatives such as "aspiring to be" for a more professional tone. The phrase’s common usage and clear meaning underscore its reliability in expressing profound desires.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

yearning to become

Implies a strong, deep desire to transform into something different.

desiring to exist

Focuses on the fundamental wish for existence in a specific form.

aspiring to turn into

Suggests a striving and ambition to evolve into a particular state.

wishing to transform into

Expresses a simple wish or hope for metamorphosis.

craving to embody

Highlights a strong desire to physically represent something.

hankering to morph into

Suggests a whimsical or less serious desire for transformation.

dreaming of becoming

Emphasizes the aspirational and imaginative aspect of the desire.

inclined to evolve into

Indicates a natural tendency or predisposition toward a particular state.

inclined to transform into

A desire to become someone new. Focuses on the inclination towards change.

inclined to turn into

Expresses a disposition for transition, but less intensely.

FAQs

How can I use "longing to be" in a sentence?

You can use "longing to be" to express a strong desire or yearning for a particular state or condition. For example, "She was always "longing to be" free, to explore the world without any constraints."

What are some alternatives to "longing to be"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "yearning to become", "desiring to exist", or "aspiring to turn into".

Is it correct to say "longing to be"?

Yes, "longing to be" is a grammatically correct and widely used phrase in English to express a deep desire or yearning.

What's the difference between "longing to be" and "wanting to be"?

"Longing to be" implies a deeper, more emotional desire than "wanting to be", which can express a simple preference. "Longing" suggests a sense of unfulfillment and yearning.