I pine for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I pine for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a deep longing or desire for someone or something that is absent. Example: "Since moving away, I often find myself pining for the days spent with my friends in the city."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

It's not that I pine for lamb.

The New York Times - Magazine

I pine for my powders and brushes and creams.

The New York Times - Magazine

As much as I appreciate a traditional hot fudge number, it's butterscotch I pine for.

The New York Times

I pine for the days when a set came that easy.

The Guardian - Sport

So much for Chekhov; now for Durang's impish deconstruction: SONIA: And if I pine for you, that's my business.

The New Yorker

So yes, while I pine for halloumi and dream of Comté, there is definitely life after cheese.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

Whenever we returned I pined for weeks.

The New York Times

Growing up, I pined for nothing in the mother department.

The New York Times

"I pined for a house with a garage," he said.

The New York Times

I pined for him after he was gone.

The New Yorker

I pined for the outdoors and despaired of a future working in an office, any office.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I pine for" when you want to express a deep longing or wistful desire for something or someone that is absent or unattainable. It adds a touch of melancholy to your writing.

Common error

While "I pine for" is grammatically correct, avoid using it excessively in casual conversations or informal writing. Overuse can make your language sound overly dramatic or affected.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I pine for" functions as a verb phrase expressing a strong desire or longing for something. Ludwig examples show its use in expressing nostalgia, craving, or missing something that is absent.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"I pine for" is a phrase used to express a deep longing or wistful desire, often tinged with sadness. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and commonly found in various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While versatile, it's advisable to avoid overuse in overly casual settings to prevent sounding melodramatic. Alternatives like "I yearn for" or "I long for" offer similar sentiments with slight nuances. Remember to consider the context to ensure the phrase aligns with your intended tone and message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I yearn for

Emphasizes a deep, often melancholic, longing.

I long for

A more general expression of missing something.

I crave

Implies a strong desire, often physical or emotional.

I hunger for

Suggests a very strong, almost desperate, need.

I ache for

Highlights the emotional pain of missing something.

I miss

A simpler way to express missing someone or something.

I desire

A more formal way to express wanting something.

I wish for

Expresses a hope or a dream of having something.

I hanker after

An idiom expressing a persistent and restless desire.

I thirst for

Suggests a strong and passionate desire, often metaphorical.

FAQs

What does it mean to "pine for" something?

To "pine for" something means to deeply long for it, often with a sense of sadness or melancholy. It suggests a wistful yearning for something that is absent or difficult to obtain.

What can I say instead of "I pine for"?

You can use alternatives like "I yearn for", "I long for", or "I miss" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "I pine after" instead of "I pine for"?

While "pine after" is also used, "I pine for" is generally considered more common and standard. Both convey a similar meaning of longing, but "I pine for" is often preferred in modern usage.

How can I use "I pine for" in a sentence?

You can use "I pine for" to express a deep longing for something, such as "I pine for the days when we could travel freely" or "I pine for the taste of my grandmother's cooking".