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long for

B1 neutral inseparable transitive

To feel a deep, emotional desire or yearning for something or someone, especially something absent or difficult to have.

In plain English

To want something very much — so much it almost hurts, especially if you can't have it.

What does "long for" mean?

2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.

1 B1 neutral

To feel a strong, often emotional desire for something you do not have or cannot easily reach.

"After years abroad, she longed for the familiar streets of her hometown."

“

We long for the day when all people will be judged not by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.

— Martin Luther King Jr., 'I Have a Dream' speech, 1963 (paraphrased from the speech's themes; the direct quote is '...not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character')
inseparable
2 B1 neutral

To miss a person deeply and wish they were present.

"He longed for his children every moment he was away on the long deployment."

inseparable
Usage tip

Used for strong emotional longing, often for people, places, or times that are lost, distant, or unattainable. Common in literature, poetry, and personal expression. Not used for mild preferences — reserve it for genuine emotional desire.

Words that pair with "long for"

Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.

home peace freedom days gone by someone simpler times

How to conjugate "long for"

The five tense forms you'll use most often.

Base
long for
I/you/we/they
3rd person
longs for
he/she/it
Past simple
longed for
yesterday
Past participle
longed for
have + pp
-ing form
longing for
continuous

Hear "long for" in the wild

Listen to native speakers using "long for" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.

Keep exploring

Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.

All phrasal verbs with "long" All phrasal verbs with "for" More B1-level phrasal verbs