so longed for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "so longed for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a strong desire or yearning for something that has been anticipated for a long time. Example: "The arrival of spring was so longed for after the harsh winter months."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

A couple of years ago, I finally visited the small lighthouse island I had so longed for as a child.

The Guardian - Travel

The younger Meléndez's ornery temper may be a reason he never got the royal appointment he so longed for.

The New York Times - Arts

Orange Revolution part two, so longed for by Ms Tymoshenko, would not take place tonight.That did not stop her PR machine from kicking into action.

The Economist

While watching Gugino's pretty, deceitful, lonely heroine bring down the house she so longed for, I thought of the imperious and beautiful Carlotta Monterey, O'Neill's last wife.

The New Yorker

René grew up in the shadow of his dead sister, until, in 1902, the second daughter, so longed for, arrived — a liberation and a humiliation in one.

The New Yorker

Handing it over will "contribute to the unity so longed for between the Catholic and Orthodox Churches," said the pope's spokesman, Joaquín Navarro-Valls.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

"I waited so long for that".

The New York Times

We've waited so long for it".

The Guardian - Sport

Never have so many waited so long for so little.

The New York Times - Sports

"We've fought for so long for compassion and understanding.

Independent

I had been waiting so long for this moment.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "so longed for" to express a deep sense of yearning for something that has been anticipated for a significant period. For example, "The reunion with her family was "so longed for" after years of separation."

Common error

While grammatically sound, avoid using "so longed for" excessively in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "really wanted" or "looked forward to" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "so longed for" functions primarily as an adverbial modifier emphasizing the intensity and duration of a desire associated with a noun or concept. Ludwig examples demonstrate this function across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Formal & Business

13%

Science

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "so longed for" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to convey a strong sense of yearning and anticipation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears across various contexts, primarily in News & Media and Formal & Business settings. While versatile, it's best to consider the context to avoid sounding overly sentimental in very informal situations. Alternatives like "greatly desired" or "eagerly awaited" can provide similar meanings with slightly different nuances. The most authoritative sources that employ this phrase include The New York Times, The Guardian, The New Yorker, The Economist, and Huffington Post. Therefore, while using "so longed for", writers should balance emotional expression with contextual appropriateness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

greatly desired

Focuses on the intensity of desire rather than the duration of longing.

eagerly awaited

Emphasizes the anticipation of something about to happen.

much anticipated

Highlights the expectation surrounding an event or object.

yearned for deeply

Stresses the depth of the yearning feeling.

devoutly wished for

Adds a sense of reverence or strong hope to the desire.

passionately desired

Focuses on the intensity and emotional drive behind the desire.

earnestly hoped for

Emphasizes the sincerity and seriousness of the hope.

long awaited

Highlights the duration of the wait with less intensity.

sorely missed

Shifts the focus to the absence and resulting pain of missing something.

craved intensely

Highlights the compulsive and powerful nature of the desire.

FAQs

How can I use "so longed for" in a sentence?

You can use "so longed for" to describe something you have deeply desired or anticipated for a long time. For example, "The vacation was "eagerly awaited" and "long awaited" by everyone."

What are some alternatives to "so longed for"?

Alternatives include "greatly desired", "eagerly awaited", or "much anticipated". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "so longed for" formal or informal?

"So longed for" is relatively neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though simpler phrases might be preferred in very casual settings.

What's the difference between "so longed for" and "long awaited"?

"So longed for" emphasizes the emotional aspect of yearning, while "long awaited" focuses primarily on the duration of the anticipation. "So longed for" conveys a deeper emotional connection.