longing to change

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "longing to change" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a deep desire or yearning for transformation or improvement in oneself or a situation. Example: "After years of feeling stuck in the same routine, she found herself longing to change her life and pursue her dreams."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Huffington Post

The New York Times

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Milani told him she was longing to change her life.

The New York Times - Magazine

His story describes how nine-year-old Barry Bennett, longing to change his nice but dull parents for something more glamorous, discovers his wish has suddenly been granted.

Independent

I feel that most of the people I've met, such as the young people in Dongguan, when they first go to the south, to Dongguan, they're full of hope and longing to change their lives.

The New York Times

She goes to sleep, ready to rest her weary brain that seems to constantly struggle between longing to change the world and longing to simply enjoy it.

Huffington Post

Philippa Kaye expresses tensions between longing to change the environment and to keep it untouched.

The New York Times

Philippa Kaye expresses tensions between longing to change the environment and a desire to keep it untouched.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

But then Woody cast me as a Republican and then Nora cast me as a nice guy husband, and although those experiences were phenomenal and I would never change them I was longing to play something more complicated and darker.

Huffington Post

You need to learn how to fight and that's when the change you are longing to see will happen".

Vice

They would have supported the changes anyway, as they have been longing to see the Brotherhood and their legacy removed.

The Guardian - Opinion

In 2016, the choice is clear for voters longing to fix structural issues, not just listen to lofty rhetoric about tackling climate change.

HuffPost

"The tweet we were longing to write.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "longing to change" when you want to express a deep-seated desire for personal or situational transformation. The phrase conveys a sense of yearning and anticipation for a different state.

Common error

While both phrases express a desire for change, "longing to change" carries a stronger emotional weight. "Wanting to change" is more neutral and can refer to superficial or practical adjustments, whereas "longing" suggests a deep, almost painful desire for transformation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "longing to change" functions as an infinitive phrase expressing a strong desire or yearning for transformation. It often acts as a verbal, adding emotional depth to the intended action. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Huffington Post

13%

The New York Times

12%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "longing to change" is an effective way to express a deep and emotional desire for transformation. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically correct and suitable for use in a variety of contexts, especially in news and media where nuanced emotional expression is valued. While alternatives like "yearning for change" or "desiring to transform" exist, "longing to change" specifically conveys a sense of yearning and anticipation for a different state. Use it when you want to emphasize the depth of your desire for change, keeping in mind its slightly formal tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

yearning for change

Replaces "longing" with "yearning", intensifying the emotional aspect of the desire.

desiring to transform

Substitutes "change" with "transform", suggesting a more profound or fundamental alteration.

wanting to evolve

Emphasizes gradual development and improvement rather than immediate change.

aspiring to change

Focuses on the ambition and proactive effort involved in making a change.

wishing to reform

Implies correcting flaws or improving a system rather than a personal transformation.

seeking to improve

Highlights the active pursuit of making things better, subtly different from just "changing".

eager to transition

Implies a shift from one state to another, with enthusiasm and anticipation.

inclined to modify

Suggests a tendency or predisposition to make alterations, often minor ones.

disposed to adjust

Indicates a readiness to adapt to new circumstances, focusing on flexibility.

motivated to convert

Suggests a strong internal drive to change, with a focus on complete transformation.

FAQs

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

You can use "longing to change" to express a strong desire for transformation. For example: "After years of feeling stuck, she was "longing to change" her career path."

What are some alternatives to "longing to change"?

Alternatives include "yearning for change", "desiring to transform", or "wanting to evolve", each carrying slightly different connotations.

Is "longing to change" more formal than "wanting to change"?

Yes, "longing to change" is generally considered more formal and emotionally charged than "wanting to change", which is a more neutral expression of desire.

What's the difference between "longing to change" and "desiring change"?

"Longing to change" implies a deep-seated yearning, while "desiring change" simply indicates a wish for things to be different. The former has a more profound emotional connection.