longs for

USAGE SUMMARY

"long for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe when someone is wishing or yearning for something or someone. Example: She longed for a better life for herself and her family.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

She longs for S.G.

The New Yorker

John also longs for companionship.

The New Yorker

One longs for more.

The Guardian - Books

Mr Anwar longs for UMNO's destruction.

The Economist

At times he longs for a break.

The New York Times

Spieth longs for a breakthrough.

The New York Times - Sports

She walks everywhere and longs for friends.

The New Yorker

Every stage of life longs for others.

The New Yorker

She longs for a break.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Longing for retribution is longing for retribution.

The Economist

They long for prominence.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "longs for" to express a deep yearning or desire, particularly for something that is difficult to obtain or has been lost.

Common error

While "longs for" is acceptable in many contexts, be mindful of its slightly emotive tone. In formal or professional writing, consider alternatives like "desires" or "aspires to" to maintain a more objective tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "longs for" functions primarily as a phrasal verb, expressing a deep yearning or desire. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable in written English. Examples show it used to describe desires for companionship, change, recognition, and even objects.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Science

1%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "longs for" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrasal verb to express a deep yearning or desire. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's suitable for various contexts, though formal writing may benefit from alternatives like "desires" or "aspires to". The phrase finds common usage in News & Media, as well as Formal & Business contexts. While "longs for" effectively communicates a strong emotional state, considering the specific context and intended tone is crucial for optimal usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

yearns for

Emphasizes a deep, often emotional, yearning.

craves

Suggests a powerful and urgent desire, often for something physical or tangible.

desires intensely

Highlights the strength and intensity of the desire.

aspires to

Implies a desire for something higher or more ambitious.

wishes for

A more general term for wanting something.

hopes for

Expresses a desire combined with expectation.

is hungry for

Emphasizes a strong, almost insatiable desire, often used metaphorically.

is eager for

Suggests enthusiasm and impatience in desiring something.

pine for

Implies a melancholic longing, often for something lost or unattainable.

hankers after

A colloquial term for craving or desiring something.

FAQs

How to use "longs for" in a sentence?

You can use "longs for" to express a deep desire or yearning for something. For example: "She "longs for" a peaceful life".

What can I say instead of "longs for"?

You can use alternatives like "yearns for", "craves", or "desires intensely" depending on the context.

Is "longs for" formal or informal?

"Longs for" falls in a neutral register, leaning slightly towards informal due to its emotional connotation. Consider more formal alternatives like "aspires to" or "desires" in highly formal contexts.

What is the difference between "longs for" and "wants"?

"Longs for" suggests a deeper, more emotional desire than a simple "wants". "Wants" implies a basic need or wish, while ""longs for"" suggests a strong yearning, often for something unattainable or lost.