we longed for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we longed for" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a strong desire or yearning for something. Example: After being stuck inside for weeks, we longed for a vacation to a tropical island.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

We longed for unruly.

The New York Times

How we longed for a digital clock that nobody could argue with.

The Guardian - Tech

We longed for something deeper, but all that surface dazzle proved, in the end, enough to sate.

Independent

And even though GPS would never allow any of us to get lost, we longed for that feeling of disappearing.

The New York Times - Travel

We longed for intellectual challenge and adult conversation, but we stayed at home with our children to honor our commitment to them.

The New York Times

"How we longed for our bloomers as we slipped, slid and tumbled down the rocky path," one girl wrote in her 1908 camp journal.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

We have longed for peace for a very long time.

The Guardian

"It is the leadership we have longed for all along".

The New York Times

He was the communicative husband we'd always longed for.

The New York Times

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we longed for" to express a collective yearning for something that is absent or unattainable in the present moment, adding a sense of shared desire or nostalgia to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "we longed for" when describing a current desire. The phrase is in the past tense and should be used to express a desire that was felt in the past. For current desires, use "we long for" or "we yearn for."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we longed for" functions as a verb phrase expressing a collective past desire or yearning. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's grammatically sound and commonly used. The verb "longed" indicates a strong and persistent desire that was felt in the past by a group.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

82%

Academia

9%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we longed for" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to express a collective past desire or yearning. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and broad applicability, especially in news and media contexts. When writing, it's important to use it in the past tense and be mindful of the slight differences in connotation between it and similar phrases such as "we yearned for" or "we desired". Avoiding present tense misuse and understanding its nuance will ensure effective and evocative communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we yearned for

Emphasizes a deep, often emotional, longing.

we craved

Suggests a strong desire, sometimes implying a physical need.

we desired

A more formal and general term for wanting something strongly.

we ached for

Conveys a sense of pain or emptiness due to the absence of something.

we hungered for

Implies a deep, insatiable need, often metaphorical.

we pined for

Suggests a wistful and melancholic longing.

we wished for

Indicates a hope or desire for something, often with a sense of unlikelihood.

we dreamt of

Focuses on the aspirational or imaginative aspect of wanting something.

we hoped for

Expresses a desire with an expectation of possible fulfillment.

we coveted

Suggests a strong desire, often accompanied by envy or resentment of others who have it.

FAQs

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

You can use "we longed for" to express a past desire. For example, "After the harsh winter, we longed for the warmth of the sun."

What is a good substitute for "we longed for"?

Alternatives include "we yearned for", "we desired", or "we craved", each carrying slightly different connotations.

Is it correct to say "we long for" instead of "we longed for"?

Yes, "we long for" is the present tense form and is used to describe a current desire, while "we longed for" expresses a desire felt in the past.

What's the difference between "we longed for" and "we wished for"?

"We longed for" expresses a deep yearning, while "we wished for" simply indicates a desire or hope, often for something less attainable.