missed having

USAGE SUMMARY

"missed having" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used to express a longing or regret for something that was previously present or experienced. Example: "I missed having my best friend around when I moved to a different city." In this sentence, the speaker is expressing that they feel sad or regretful about not being able to have their best friend with them anymore. They are nostalgic for the past and the presence of their friend.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We've missed having elections.

The New York Times

'I missed having mince pies.

The Guardian - Music

She missed having sex with Toney.

The New York Times - Magazine

She missed having a normal life.

The Guardian

And he said he missed having fun.

The Washington Post

Bill said that he missed having Bradley close by.

The New Yorker

He said he missed having her at home.

The New York Times - Magazine

And I wonder if they missed having children?

The Guardian - Books

It's something United have missed, having lost Paul Scholes.

The Guardian - Sport

"I missed having a mother to ask for advice.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I asked them if they missed having friends.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "missed having" to express a sense of longing for something that was once a regular part of your life or routine. For instance, "I missed having my family dinners every Sunday after I moved out."

Common error

Avoid using "missed having" when you simply mean you didn't have something. "I missed having" implies a previous experience, not just an absence. For example, don't say "I missed having a car" if you've never owned one; instead, say "I didn't have a car."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "missed having" functions as a verb phrase expressing a feeling of longing or regret for a past experience or possession. It indicates that the speaker or subject is no longer experiencing or possessing something they once did, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

17%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "missed having" is a commonly used verb phrase to express a feeling of longing or regret for something previously experienced or possessed. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media, but also present in academic and scientific writing, its register is neutral, allowing for versatile application. While alternatives like "longed to have" or "yearned for" exist, "missed having" directly conveys a sense of loss. Remember to use this phrase when referring to something you previously had or experienced, not simply the absence of something you never possessed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wished I still had

Expresses a simple wish for the return of something.

felt the loss of

Directly expresses the feeling of missing something that is gone.

longed to have

Emphasizes a strong desire or yearning for something previously experienced.

felt nostalgic for

Highlights the feeling of nostalgia associated with missing something.

regretted the absence of

Emphasizes the feeling of regret due to the lack of something.

yearned for the experience of

Highlights the emotional aspect of missing an experience.

desired to possess again

Focuses on the desire to regain something that was once owned or available.

found myself wanting

Indicates a realization of missing something, often unexpectedly.

craved the presence of

Emphasizes the strong need for someone or something to be present.

hankered after

Implies a persistent and strong craving for something.

FAQs

How can I use "missed having" in a sentence?

Use "missed having" to express a feeling of longing or regret for something you previously possessed or experienced. For example, "I missed having my old routine when I started traveling."

What are some alternatives to "missed having"?

You can use alternatives like "longed to have", "yearned for the experience of", or "felt the loss of" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "I miss to have" instead of "I missed having"?

No, "I miss to have" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "I "miss having"", which uses the gerund form of the verb 'have' after 'miss'.

What's the difference between "missed having" and "didn't have"?

"Missed having" implies a prior experience or possession that is no longer present, creating a sense of loss or longing. "Didn't have" simply states the absence of something, without necessarily implying a prior connection or emotional response.