longing to join

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "longing to join" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a strong desire or yearning to become part of a group, activity, or experience. Example: "After hearing about the exciting project, I found myself longing to join the team and contribute my skills."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Children longing to join Ringling Brothers can indulge their fantasies.

The New York Times - Arts

Show biz has always been a magnet for misfits with a burning yearning for the spotlight, of course, so the foursome's tales of overcoming self-doubt, and longing to join the popular clique, sometimes strike banal or sentimental notes.

The New York Times

On Friday and Saturday night, a line of upper-class fun seekers lingers behind the velvet rope, longing to join the crush at the W bar, an Ian Schrager lobby-culture dream come true.

The Guardian - Travel

These days, the situation in Newfoundland being what it is, it's L'Anse-au-Loup on the N.L. side longing to join Quebec on the hope that their provincial government can actually afford to pave the roads.

Vice

Early in the film we see him standing on the edges of a soccer field, watching other boys play, longing to join in but unable to do so because he is not welcome, and he is not welcome because he is "soft".

Huffington Post

What Ms. Walker found most compelling about Faron was not his involvement with drugs but his longing to join the church and become a preacher like his father.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

In the midst of 19th-century urbanization grew longing to connect with nature.

Emerging Infectious Diseases

It creates a sad sense of longing to get out, to get free of the imprisoning cell and to join the dancer.

The New York Times - Arts

He described how God remembers those who are suffering, longing for them to join Him when their time comes.

The New York Times

Afternote: if you are longing to go deeper, really dig in to your life vision, purpose and career, then I'd love you to join my online program The Career Toolkit.

Huffington Post

"The tweet we were longing to write.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the emotional tone you wish to convey. While "longing to join" expresses a strong desire, alternatives like "eager to join" or "wanting to join" might be more appropriate in less emotionally charged contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "longing to join" in situations where a simple expression of interest would suffice. Overusing this phrase can make your writing sound overly dramatic or sentimental. In neutral contexts, simpler alternatives like "wanting to join" or "interested in joining" are more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "longing to join" functions as an infinitive phrase, typically acting as an adjective modifying a noun or pronoun. It expresses a strong desire or yearning to become part of something, as seen in examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Science

7%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "longing to join" is a grammatically sound and readily understandable phrase used to convey a strong desire or yearning to become part of a group, activity, or experience. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is deemed correct and usable in written English. While it may not be appropriate in all contexts, particularly those requiring a more neutral tone, it effectively communicates a sense of emotional investment and anticipation. It is most frequently used in News & Media and similar contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

yearning to join

Replaces "longing" with "yearning", offering a slightly more intense emotional connotation.

craving to join

Replaces "longing" with "craving", suggesting a strong and urgent desire.

desiring to join

Substitutes "longing" with "desiring", providing a more straightforward and less emotionally charged alternative.

eager to join

Replaces "longing" with "eager", indicating enthusiasm and anticipation rather than a deep-seated wish.

wanting to join

Offers a simpler and more direct alternative, replacing "longing" with "wanting".

keen to join

Substitutes "longing" with "keen", a more British English expression that conveys enthusiasm and interest.

wishing to join

Substitutes "longing" with "wishing", conveying a sense of hope or fantasy.

aspiring to join

Replaces "longing" with "aspiring", implying ambition and a goal to achieve.

having a strong desire to join

Expands the phrase to explicitly state a strong desire, adding emphasis.

feeling a pull to join

Uses a more metaphorical expression, suggesting an irresistible attraction.

FAQs

What does "longing to join" mean?

The phrase "longing to join" expresses a strong desire or yearning to become a member of a group, participate in an activity, or be part of an experience. It suggests a deep emotional connection and anticipation.

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

You can use "longing to join" to describe someone's strong desire to be part of something. For example, "After seeing their performance, she was longing to join the dance troupe."

What are some alternatives to "longing to join"?

You can use alternatives like "eager to join", "desiring to join", or "wanting to join" depending on the context and the level of emotion you want to convey.

Is "longing to join" formal or informal?

"Longing to join" is neither strictly formal nor informal, but leans towards a more expressive and slightly sentimental tone. In professional contexts, consider alternatives like "interested in joining" or "desirous of joining" for a more neutral approach.