longing to write

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "longing to write" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a strong desire or yearning to engage in writing, often reflecting a deep emotional connection to the act of writing. Example: "After years of working in a corporate job, she found herself longing to write the novel she had always dreamed of."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

"The tweet we were longing to write.

The Guardian - Sport

I do not recall longing to write as a student.

The New York Times

I am longing to write about what I think of the idea of such a summit and how it fits into Gordon Brown's strategy on Britishness.

The Guardian - Opinion

Her only frustration was that with so many literary beavers around, Barker thought there would never be room for the book she was longing to write.

The Guardian - Books

The movie alternates between Child's story as a restless American in Paris in the nineteen-fifties, longing to write a cookbook, and the adventures in Queens, in 2002, of a lost young American wife (Amy Adams), who sets out to replicate Child's recipes — a structure that is more a rhyming device than a dramatic idea.

The New Yorker

The movie alternates between Child's story as a restless American in Paris in the nineteen-fifties, longing to write a cookbook, and the adventures in Queens, in 2002, of a lost young American wife (Amy Adams), who sets out to replicate Child's recipes a structure that is more a rhyming device than a dramatic idea.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Though hunting was eventually banned, numbers kept dwindling, and the bucardo joined the lengthening list of extinctions that humankind has helped along.In 2014 it may earn its place on a notional list some scientists, activists and entrepreneurs are longing to start writing: that of extinctions humankind has reversed.

The Economist

Here are two gentle, civilised men, both longing to be left alone to write fiction, forced into opposite sides of a vile conflict.Mr Shehadeh chronicles day-to-day life in Ramallah in April 2002, the month that the city, along with other West Bank towns, was invaded and occupied by the Israeli army in retaliation for the Passover bombing in Netanya.

The Economist

"I am longing to see you," she writes, "and to have a nice kiss.

The Guardian - Books

"[Kissinger's] praise for the Argentine government in its campaign against terrorism was the music the Argentine government was longing to hear," National Security Council official Robert Pastor wrote in a summary of Kissinger's visit for Brzezinski.

The Guardian

A friend of his of thirty years told me that Godard's ferocious early longing was to write like Stendhal.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "longing to write" with specific details about the type of writing desired (e.g., a novel, poetry, a screenplay) to enhance clarity and impact.

Common error

While "longing to write" is acceptable, overuse in formal settings can sound overly sentimental. Opt for more direct alternatives like "desiring to write" or "intending to write" in professional communications.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "longing to write" functions as a verbal phrase expressing a strong desire or yearning to engage in the act of writing. It combines the gerund "longing" with the infinitive "to write", conveying a sense of persistent desire. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "longing to write" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express a strong and often emotional desire to write. While Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability, it is more suited for neutral to informal contexts. When choosing the right alternative, consider whether a more direct or formal expression might be appropriate. Be mindful of the emotional weight the phrase carries, and ensure it aligns with the overall tone and purpose of your writing. While it appears less frequently in formal and business settings, its appearance in news and media and academia highlights its versatility in expressing a deep connection to writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

yearning to write

Emphasizes a deep, emotional desire to write.

desiring to write

Highlights a strong wish to engage in writing.

wanting to write

A more straightforward expression of the wish to write.

wishing to write

Implies a sense of hope and desire for the opportunity to write.

eager to write

Suggests enthusiasm and anticipation for writing.

having a strong desire to write

Explicitly states the presence of a powerful urge to write.

feeling compelled to write

Indicates an internal pressure or need to write.

having an urge to write

Highlights a spontaneous and compelling feeling to write.

feeling a need to write

Implies a necessity or requirement to write.

craving to write

Expresses an intense and persistent desire to write.

FAQs

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

You can use "longing to write" to express a strong desire or yearning to engage in writing. For example: "After years of working in a different field, she found herself /longing to write/ the stories she had always imagined."

What are some alternatives to "longing to write"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "yearning to write", "desiring to write", or "eager to write".

Is "longing to write" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "longing to write" might sound overly emotional for certain formal contexts. Consider using alternatives like "wishing to write" or "intending to write" for a more professional tone.

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

"Longing to write" implies a deeper, more emotional desire than "wanting to write". "Wanting" is a more general expression of desire, while "longing" suggests a strong, often unfulfilled, yearning.