I yearn for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I yearn for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a strong desire or longing for something or someone. Example: "I yearn for the days when we would spend hours talking under the stars."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

I yearn for it all week.

The New York Times

What did I yearn for?

The New Yorker

"I yearn for human isolation".

The New Yorker

I yearn for the Vic.

The Guardian - Books

"I yearn for the darkness," he says.

The New York Times

I yearn for someone to shout: "Yes!

The Guardian

Each time I see it, I yearn for its predecessor.

The New York Times - Arts

That is kind of fundamental reform I yearn for.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

"I yearned for a more traditional school.

The New York Times - Magazine

I yearned for the truth.

The New York Times

I yearned for freedom, and to travel.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the emotional tone you want to convey. "I yearn for" is stronger than "I want" or "I desire".

Common error

Avoid using "I yearn for" in situations where a simple "I want" or "I desire" would suffice. It can sound overly dramatic or pretentious if used inappropriately.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I yearn for" functions as a statement of strong desire or longing. It expresses a deep, often emotional, need for something or someone. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and used to convey intense desire.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I yearn for" is a powerful way to express a deep and often emotional longing. As Ludwig AI explains, it is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news and media contexts. While alternatives like "I long for" or "I desire" exist, "I yearn for" conveys a unique sense of intensity and emotional depth. However, it's important to avoid overuse in casual situations, as it can sound overly dramatic. Used judiciously, "I yearn for" effectively communicates heartfelt desire.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I long for

Synonymous, but slightly more formal and poetic.

I pine for

Suggests a deep, often melancholic longing.

I hunger for

Emphasizes a strong, almost desperate need or desire.

I thirst for

Similar to 'hunger for', but can also imply a desire for knowledge or experience.

I crave

Implies a strong desire, often for something tangible or immediate.

My heart aches for

Emphasizes the emotional pain of longing.

I desire

A more formal and general term for wanting something.

I have a strong desire for

A more explicit and less figurative way of expressing longing.

I am consumed by the desire for

Highlights the intensity and all-encompassing nature of the longing.

I wish for

More general and less intense expression of desire.

FAQs

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

Use "I yearn for" to express a strong desire or longing. For example, "I yearn for the day we can travel again" or "I yearn for a simpler time".

What's a less dramatic alternative to "I yearn for"?

Alternatives include "I desire", "I want", or "I wish for", depending on the intensity of your longing.

Is it grammatically correct to say "I yearn for"?

Yes, "I yearn for" is grammatically correct. "Yearn" is a verb that means to have a strong feeling of longing, and it's correctly used with the preposition "for".

What's the difference between "I yearn for" and "I long for"?

"I yearn for" and "I long for" are very similar, both expressing a deep desire. "Yearn" can sometimes imply a more intense or emotional longing compared to "long".