we long for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we long for" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to express the feeling of having a strong desire for something. For example, "We long for a world in which everyone is accepted for who they are."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We long for more than a vacation; we're a society longing for an off switch.

TechCrunch

We long for peace.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

It involves having what we long for.

The Economist

We long for a bold urban vision.

The New York Times - Arts

We long for an end to war".

The New York Times

We long for a public square.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"But I am just saying that we long for things and we long for love.

The Guardian - Film

We long for contact and it makes us afraid.

The Guardian

The stress is almost unbearable, but we long for it.

The New York Times

"We long for what the world cannot give.

The New Yorker

If you listen to Barnes & Noble, we long for libraries.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we long for" to express a deep, often emotional, desire for something that may be difficult to attain. It adds a sense of yearning and can be more evocative than simply saying "we want."

Common error

While "we long for" is acceptable in many situations, avoid overusing it in highly formal or technical writing. In such cases, consider alternatives like "we desire" or "we seek" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we long for" functions as a verb phrase, where "long" acts as the main verb expressing a strong desire, and "for" introduces the object of that desire. As Ludwig AI confirms, this construction is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Academia

6%

Science

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we long for" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to convey a deep desire or yearning. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is appropriate across a range of contexts, particularly in news and media, where it often expresses collective aspirations or emotional needs. While versatile, writers should be mindful of the tone and choose more formal alternatives, such as "we desire" or "we seek", in highly technical or professional settings. The abundance of examples provided by Ludwig illustrates the phrase's common usage and varied application, solidifying its place as a reliable and expressive component of the English language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we yearn for

Replaces "long" with "yearn", suggesting a deeper, more emotional longing.

we have a longing for

Adds emphasis by explicitly stating the presence of a longing.

we desire

A more direct and less emotional expression of wanting something.

we crave

Implies a strong, almost uncontrollable desire.

we aspire to

Focuses on ambition and striving towards a goal.

we hunger for

Uses "hunger" metaphorically to express a deep need or desire.

our hearts desire

Expresses what is deeply wished, uses more figurative language.

we wish for

A more general and less intense expression of wanting something.

we pine for

Suggests a melancholic longing, often for something lost or unattainable.

we hope for

Indicates an expectation and anticipation of something positive.

FAQs

How can I use "we long for" in a sentence?

"We long for" expresses a deep yearning or desire. For example, you might say, "We long for peace" or "We long for a simpler time".

What can I say instead of "we long for"?

You can use alternatives like "we yearn for", "we desire", or "we crave" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to use "we long for"?

Yes, "we long for" is grammatically correct. "Long" is used as a verb, and "for" is a preposition that indicates the object of the longing.

What's the difference between "we long for" and "we want"?

"We long for" implies a deeper, more emotional desire than "we want". While "we want" can refer to simple needs, "we long for" suggests a heartfelt yearning.