sense of longing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sense of longing" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a feeling or desire for something that is absent or out of reach. For example, "My trip to the beach brought back a sense of longing for the time I had spent there as a child."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Books

Film

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The sense of longing that haunts the play — "Love me.

The New Yorker

Smith, however, does not seem to share the Giants' sense of longing.

The New York Times

Or the sense of longing for bygone times when "people never ceased perfecting themselves".

The New York Times

I feel my life has been pervaded by a sense of longing.

The Guardian - Film

He upholds fado's sense of longing and tragic dignity as he brings it into modern close-up.

The New York Times - Arts

There is a sense that the saudade – roughly translated, a sense of longing – is not entirely one-sided.

The Guardian - Sport

The overarching feeling that Holter tries to capture when writing, she says, is a sense of longing.

The Guardian - Music

Somewhere along the way, a name was coined that captured their sense of longing mingled with frustration.

The New York Times

Her versions mix respect with whimsy, treating the old songs with casual affection and lightening them while holding on to their sense of longing.

The New York Times - Arts

But I think that for what I do, it's probably better to feel nomadic than to have a constant sense of longing for one place.

The New York Times - Arts

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sense of longing" to evoke a deep, emotional connection with the subject matter. This phrase works well when describing feelings related to nostalgia, unfulfilled desires, or unattainable goals.

Common error

Avoid using "sense of longing" in contexts that require more concrete or practical language. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound melodramatic or insincere; consider alternatives like "desire" or "need" for straightforward contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sense of longing" functions primarily as a noun phrase describing an emotional state. It's used to express a feeling of desire or yearning for something that is absent or unattainable, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Arts

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sense of longing" is a versatile expression used to convey a deep emotional yearning or desire for something that is absent or unattainable. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and widely used in various contexts, particularly in news, media, arts, and literature. While its frequency is classified as common, it's important to avoid overuse in overly sentimental contexts and to consider alternative expressions like "feeling of yearning" or "nostalgic sentiment" for more precise communication. Its effectiveness lies in its ability to evoke empathy and create an emotional connection with the reader, making it a valuable tool for writers aiming to convey profound emotional experiences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feeling of yearning

Emphasizes the emotional experience of wanting something deeply.

yearning sensation

Focuses on the physical or emotional feeling of intense desire.

longing feeling

Reverses the word order while maintaining similar meaning.

desire for

Shifts the focus to a specific object or goal of desire.

nostalgic sentiment

Highlights the wistful aspect of looking back on past experiences.

wistful feeling

Focuses on the feeling of melancholy and yearning.

ache for

Implies a painful or intense form of longing.

craving

Suggests a strong and urgent desire.

yearning for

Indicates a deep and persistent desire.

pining for

Conveys a sense of sadness and longing for something unattainable.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "sense of longing" in a sentence?

Use "sense of longing" to describe a deep, emotional yearning for something lost or unattainable. For instance, "The old photographs evoked a "sense of longing" for her childhood home".

What are some alternatives to "sense of longing"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "feeling of yearning", "desire for", or "nostalgic sentiment" to express similar emotions.

Is there a difference between "sense of longing" and "feeling of longing"?

While both phrases are similar, "sense of longing" often implies a more profound and pervasive feeling, while "feeling of longing" might refer to a more transient or specific instance of yearning.

When is it appropriate to use "sense of longing" in writing?

It's appropriate when describing emotions related to nostalgia, lost love, or unfulfilled dreams, particularly in creative writing, poetry, or reflective essays. Avoid it in technical or factual contexts where precise language is required.