really longing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "really longing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a strong desire or yearning for something or someone. Example: "After years of living abroad, I am really longing to return to my hometown and see my family again."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

I remember Francis Bacon saying to me what he was really longing for was to do 'a perfect painting like a perfectly tied bow tie'.

The Guardian - Arts

But it's just as likely to be that I had a toy given to me at a certain age, and I was really longing to play with it, and then I lost it or something".

The New Yorker

He went on, "The difference between being a pragmatic utopian" — a phrase from his book — "and a utopian is that a utopian is really longing for an ideal state universally implemented, which is why their visions become horror visions: they are the perfectly realized fantasy of a single mind.

The New Yorker

Seann Walsh Well Seann, there could be one of three things going on here: 1) sublimation: your girlfriend is really longing to start a family and, subconsciously, is gauging your emotional response to something lovable and cuddly such as a dog.

The Guardian

Don't simply take away behavior -- give to yourself that which you are really longing for.

Huffington Post

And are you really hungry for food, or is it joy, relaxation or love that you're really longing for?

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

But we've really been longing for this last step: enabling them to make money off of their music".

The Guardian - Tech

Dr. Haimoff pointed out that at sample sales it is harder to deploy the tried-and-true tactic of "leaving the situation, sleeping on it and only coming back the next day if you're really still longing for whatever it is you wanted," she said.

The New York Times

"I really am longing to catch up with people behind closed doors - you guys aren't invited".

BBC

But while I've enjoyed the sheer entertainment value of the past three shows, I really am longing for something a bit sinister and darker".

Wikipedia

All this hullabaloo at National Review is really just longing for another era, when government generally minded its own business and predation was rampant, when women, workers, and minorities were violently oppressed and the white man made decisions.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "really longing" to convey a sense of deep and heartfelt desire. It is particularly effective when expressing a longing for something that is emotionally significant.

Common error

Avoid using "really longing" too frequently in your writing, as it can weaken the impact. Instead, consider using more nuanced synonyms like "deeply yearning" or "earnestly craving" to add variety and depth to your descriptions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "really longing" functions as a verbal phrase expressing a strong feeling of desire or yearning. It intensifies the verb "longing" with the adverb "really", emphasizing the depth of the emotional state. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, showcasing its effectiveness in conveying deep emotions.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Wiki

13%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "really longing" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase in English to express a deep and intense desire or yearning. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and suitability for various contexts. Although classified as "Uncommon" in terms of frequency, its strength lies in conveying profound emotions. For varied expression, consider synonyms like "deeply yearning" or "intensely desiring". Be mindful of overusing "really" and tailor the phrase's intensity to match the formality of your writing, making it a versatile tool for expressing heartfelt desires.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

truly yearning

Emphasizes the authenticity and sincerity of the yearning.

deeply yearning

Emphasizes the depth of the yearning, suggesting a profound emotional need.

profoundly yearning

Stresses the depth and significance of the yearning.

strongly yearning

Highlights the strength of the yearning, emphasizing the powerful nature of the feeling.

intensely desiring

Highlights the intensity of the desire, indicating a strong and focused longing.

passionately desiring

Highlights the intensity of feeling and emotional drive behind the desire.

earnestly craving

Conveys a sincere and heartfelt desire, emphasizing the genuineness of the longing.

ardently desiring

Emphasizes the passionate and enthusiastic nature of the desire.

fervently wishing

Suggests a passionate and enthusiastic desire, indicating a strong emotional investment.

sincerely craving

Focuses on the honesty and genuineness of the desire.

FAQs

How can I use "really longing" in a sentence?

You can use "really longing" to express a strong desire or yearning for something. For example, "After being away for so long, I am really longing to see my family again."

What are some alternatives to "really longing"?

Alternatives include "deeply yearning", "intensely desiring", or "earnestly craving". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "really longing" too informal for formal writing?

While "really longing" is generally acceptable, in very formal contexts, consider using a more sophisticated synonym like "profoundly yearning" or "ardently desiring" for a more refined tone.

What's the difference between "really longing" and "simply longing"?

Adding "really" intensifies the feeling of longing, emphasizing the depth and strength of the desire. "Simply longing" expresses a milder, less intense form of yearning.