was longed for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was longed for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a strong desire or yearning for something or someone in the past. Example: "The return of the beloved character was longed for by fans who had waited years for the sequel."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Thick hair is longed for for a reason!

WikiHow

It was long for its day, inside and out.

The New York Times

Time to initiation was longest for denosumab (Table 3).

Clinical Epidemiology

Longing for retribution is longing for retribution.

The Economist

"I mean, 150 pages is long for a script.

The New York Times

She's longs for a bit of a normal life".

The New York Times

"It is long for a modern book," he conceded.

The Guardian - Books

The road back to politics has been long for him.

The New York Times

(The lines can be long for Lime's restrooms).

The New York Times

The days have been long for the Severances.

The New York Times

The delay is long for small η.

Earth, Planets and Space

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was longed for", consider the context to ensure it aligns with the desired tone. It's best suited for situations involving strong emotions and significant personal importance.

Common error

Avoid using "was longed for" in everyday situations where simpler expressions like "was wanted" or "was desired" would be more appropriate. Overusing it can diminish its impact and make your writing sound unnatural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was longed for" functions as a passive voice construction, where the subject receives the action of longing. As Ludwig AI indicates, it expresses a strong sense of desire or yearning experienced in the past.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was longed for" is a grammatically sound and expressive construction that conveys a deep sense of yearning or desire in the past. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate for contexts where emotional depth is valued. While its usage is not exceedingly frequent, its presence in news, media and scientific sources indicates its versatility. Remember to use it thoughtfully, reserving it for situations where the intensity of the emotion warrants such a phrase. Consider alternatives like "was desired" or "was yearned for" for contexts that require a more nuanced approach.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was desired

Focuses on the aspect of wanting something intensely; more direct and less emotional than "was longed for".

was yearned for

Highlights the feeling of missing someone or something deeply; more emotional and evocative.

was craved

Implies a strong, almost uncontrollable desire; more intense and visceral.

was wished for

Suggests a hope or desire for something, often in a more passive or wistful way.

was hoped for

Emphasizes the anticipation and expectation of something positive.

was anticipated

Highlights the expectation of something happening; more focused on the event itself.

was hungered for

Conveys a deep, almost primal need or desire.

was pined for

Emphasizes a feeling of sadness and longing, often for someone who is absent.

was thirsted for

Implies a strong need or desire, often metaphorical, like thirst for knowledge.

was hankered after

Informal way of saying someone wanted something very much.

FAQs

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

You can use "was longed for" to describe something that was deeply desired or yearned for, such as "The end of the war "was longed for" by everyone".

What are some alternatives to "was longed for"?

Alternatives include "was desired", "was yearned for", or "was wished for", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "was longed for" formal or informal?

"Was longed for" is generally considered a more formal and emotive expression. Simpler alternatives may be more suitable for informal contexts.

What's the difference between "was longed for" and "was wanted"?

"Was longed for" implies a deeper, more emotional desire than "was wanted". The former suggests a sense of yearning and perhaps even a sense of loss.