a common yearning

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a common yearning" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a shared desire or longing among a group of people. Example: "In times of uncertainty, a common yearning for peace and stability often unites communities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

People around the world share a common yearning for the same irrational objects.

The New York Times

(J. K. Rowling's recent exercise in pseudonymity suggests that this may be a common yearning in famous writers).

The New Yorker

Centuries of warfare drenched in blood and a common yearning for a more civilized world where would-be aggressors are checked by the rule of law must compel us to act, responsibly and swiftly.

Huffington Post

"The Golden Notebook" suggested that humanity, male and female, is driven by a common yearning: "Everybody in the world is thinking: I wish there was just one other person I could really talk to, who would really understand me, who'd be kind to me," one of the characters said.

Los Angeles Times

On the question of whether Jesus is the Messiah, Pope Francis sees a common yearning: "By Jews persevering in their faith in God they remind everyone, even us as Christians, that we are always awaiting the return of the Lord and that therefore we must remain open to Him and never take refuge in what we have already achieved".

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

But they also have a common denominator: a yearning for more equality in incomes, economic self-determination, and political power.

Huffington Post

That show focuses on real workers at the companies, but its appeal is that of ancient mythology and folk tales, feeding the all-too-common yearning of humble folk who believe that if only the boss, the sultan or the czar knew how bad things really were, he would step in and fix it.

The New York Times - Arts

He entered romantic relationships looking for a woman to be as close to him as Lee had been, a common reaction to the yearning for intimacy among those who have lost their twins.

The New York Times

As Oprah put it, "I really am trying to connect ideas, and I'm getting people to experience faith, experience hope, experience what it means to be alive and human and thriving and yearning for something that's beyond yourself, and seeing that there's a common bond that we all share in that yearning".

Huffington Post

And I own a network, but I really am trying to connect ideas, and I'm getting people to experience faith, experience hope, experience what it means to be alive and human and thriving and yearning for something that's beyond yourself -- and seeing that there's a common bond that we all share in that yearning.

Huffington Post

These businesses have in common a yearning for brand names.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a common yearning" to effectively convey a shared sentiment or desire among a group of people, adding depth and emotional resonance to your writing. Consider the specific context to ensure the intensity of "yearning" aligns with the intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "a common yearning" when a simpler term like "desire" or "hope" would suffice. Overusing "yearning" can make your writing sound melodramatic or exaggerated, especially in contexts that don't require such strong emotion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a common yearning" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It describes a shared feeling or desire, acting as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig examples show its use in various contexts to denote a collective longing.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a common yearning" is a noun phrase used to describe a shared desire or longing. Ludwig AI analysis indicates that it's grammatically correct and most frequently found in news and media contexts. While versatile, it carries a significant emotional weight, making it best suited for situations where you want to emphasize a deep, shared feeling. Remember to consider alternatives like "a shared desire" or "a collective longing" if a less intense expression is more appropriate. Five examples were found, making it an uncommon phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a shared desire

Replaces "yearning" with a more general term, focusing on the aspect of wanting something together.

a collective longing

Substitutes "yearning" with "longing", emphasizing the collective nature of the feeling.

a widespread aspiration

Replaces "yearning" with "aspiration", suggesting a shared ambition or goal.

a universal desire

Highlights the universality of the yearning, making it applicable to everyone.

a mutual craving

Substitutes "yearning" with "craving", implying a stronger and more urgent desire.

a joint hope

Focuses on the hopeful aspect of the yearning, suggesting a shared expectation of something positive.

a community-wide need

Emphasizes the community aspect and frames the yearning as a necessity.

a prevalent ambition

Shifts the focus to ambition, highlighting a widespread desire to achieve something.

a general appetite

Uses "appetite" to suggest a widespread desire or enthusiasm for something.

a societal hunger

Emphasizes the deep-seated nature of the desire, portraying it as a fundamental need within society.

FAQs

How can I use "a common yearning" in a sentence?

You can use "a common yearning" to express a shared desire or longing among people. For example: "The citizens expressed "a common yearning" for peace after years of conflict."

What are some alternatives to "a common yearning"?

Alternatives include "a shared desire", "a collective longing", or "a widespread aspiration" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a common yearning" too strong of a phrase for everyday writing?

While generally acceptable, "a common yearning" carries a strong emotional weight. Consider whether a more neutral phrase like "a shared desire" would be more appropriate for your context.

What's the difference between "a common yearning" and "a shared desire"?

"A common yearning" suggests a deeper, more emotional longing, while "a shared desire" is a more general term for wanting something together. The choice depends on the intensity of the emotion you wish to convey.