longing to express

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "longing to express" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when conveying a deep desire or yearning to communicate thoughts, feelings, or ideas. Example: "She felt a longing to express her true emotions but struggled to find the right words."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

"There's a lot of creative people just longing to express themselves but with nowhere to do it.

The Guardian

Go all the way with what your heart is longing to express and then take action steps starting today that lead you toward that vision.

HuffPost

I think it arises, in part at least, from the longing for connection, the longing to express what is essentially inexpressible, our own unique experience of being alive.

Huffington Post

The onetime friend, Richard Shadrin, 24, said that Mr. Gelman's troubles seemed rooted in his home life, his physical appearance, his palpable unease about his place in life and an unrealized longing to express his creativity.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

But because we are born with the gift of free will, we have the ability to allow ourselves to expand, to identify the next version of ourselves that is longing to be expressed and to consciously align with that expansion.

Forbes

What creative voices are longing to be expressed in your life?

Huffington Post

Many of these pieces are colored by flamenco's cante jondo (literally, "profound singing"), their vocal lines soaring and plunging to express praise, longing or desire.

Huffington Post

My hope is that as you attend such events, you will go with an open heart ready to be moved by the spirit of love longing to be expressed in traditions both familiar and unknown.

Huffington Post

But he longs for these things just the same, and his creative triumph is that he has found his own musical and lyrical language to express that longing.

The New York Times - Magazine

The "decline of the West" is a theme exploited by those who use it to express resentment, longing for revenge or blatant hostility.

The New York Times

In the context of China's crackdown on cultural expression, Ms. Cao's juvenilia seems to express a longing for some basic adult freedoms.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "longing to express" to convey a deep sense of yearning or desire when describing someone's need to communicate their thoughts or feelings. It's particularly effective in creative writing or when discussing emotional states.

Common error

Avoid using "longing to express" in highly formal or technical writing, as it can sound overly sentimental. Opt for more neutral alternatives like "wanting to convey" or "intending to communicate" in such situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "longing to express" functions as an infinitive phrase that often acts as an adjective modifying a noun or pronoun, indicating a desire or yearning. As Ludwig AI explains, it conveys a strong sense of wanting to communicate.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "longing to express" effectively conveys a deep-seated desire to communicate feelings or thoughts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, though its usage is relatively rare. It is best suited for contexts where emotional depth is desired. For more formal settings, consider alternatives like "wanting to convey". While its frequency is low, it is featured in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

yearning to articulate

Emphasizes a deep, emotional desire to put something into words.

desiring to communicate

Highlights the intention and wish to share or exchange information.

wanting to convey

Focuses on the act of transmitting a message or idea effectively.

eager to reveal

Suggests excitement and impatience in disclosing something.

inclined to disclose

Indicates a tendency or willingness to make something known.

driven to share

Highlights an inner compulsion to disseminate information or feelings.

compelled to voice

Emphasizes an obligation or necessity to speak out.

inspired to portray

Suggests creativity and artistic motivation in expressing something.

aiming to demonstrate

Focuses on the intention to prove or illustrate something through expression.

seeking to exhibit

Highlights the intent to display or showcase something through expression.

FAQs

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

You can use "longing to express" to describe a deep desire to communicate thoughts or feelings. For example, "She felt a "longing to express" her true emotions but struggled to find the right words."

What are some alternatives to "longing to express"?

Some alternatives include "yearning to articulate", "desiring to communicate", or "wanting to convey", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "longing to express" formal or informal?

"Longing to express" leans towards a more emotional or creative register and might not be suitable for highly formal or technical contexts. In those cases, consider more neutral alternatives.

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

"Longing to express" suggests a deeper, more emotional desire to communicate, while "wanting to express" is a more general statement of intent. The former implies a sense of yearning or deep need.