a faraway yearning

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a faraway yearning" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a deep desire or longing for something that feels distant or unattainable. Example: "As she gazed at the horizon, a faraway yearning filled her heart, reminding her of the dreams she once had."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Instead of raw pain, Lee projected a faraway yearning, tinged with regret.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

It is warm and fun and authentic - the three things every traveler yearns to find in a faraway place.

Huffington Post

In Creole, Mr. Combette sang songs of yearning: of a boy who wants to be a musician, and of a French Guyanese waiter in a faraway city who finds himself daydreaming of his home island.

The New York Times - Arts

That is probably a faraway dream.

The Economist

A FARAWAY ISLAND, by Annika Thor.

The New York Times

A faraway roar came closer.

The New Yorker

He remembers hearing a faraway boom.

The New York Times

But that is a faraway thought.

The New York Times - Sports

Timbuktu is no longer a faraway place from childhood.

The New Yorker

Their voices reverberate as if emanating from a faraway world.

The New York Times

A gift from a friend in a faraway land.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a faraway yearning" to evoke a sense of nostalgia or longing for something that is both emotionally significant and difficult to obtain. For instance, describe a character's "a faraway yearning" for a lost love or a childhood dream.

Common error

Avoid using "a faraway yearning" to describe simple, easily achievable desires. The phrase works best when the yearning is for something intangible or emotionally complex. It should be more than just wanting a snack.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a faraway yearning" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It describes a specific type of longing, where the "faraway" element modifies the nature of the "yearning", adding a sense of distance, unattainability, or nostalgia, according to Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a faraway yearning" is a noun phrase used to describe a deep longing tinged with a sense of distance or unattainability. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. While relatively infrequent, the phrase appears in reputable sources like The New York Times and The New Yorker, predominantly in News & Media contexts. It serves to evoke wistfulness or nostalgia. For more contemporary writing, consider alternatives such as "a distant longing" or "an unfulfilled craving" to avoid sounding overly sentimental. Use it to describe complex emotional states rather than simple desires, ensuring it aligns with the overall tone of your piece.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a distant longing

Replaces "faraway" with "distant", emphasizing the emotional distance of the desire.

a deep-seated desire

Focuses on the intensity and depth of the desire rather than its remoteness.

an unfulfilled craving

Highlights the lack of satisfaction associated with the yearning.

a persistent ache

Emphasizes the ongoing and somewhat painful nature of the yearning.

a wistful aspiration

Combines a sense of longing with a hopeful, yet possibly unattainable, goal.

a subtle pining

Suggests a quieter, less overt form of yearning.

an elusive desire

Focuses on the difficulty of achieving the desired object or state.

a remote hope

Highlights the distant and uncertain nature of the hope associated with the yearning.

a suppressed longing

Implies that the yearning is being held back or hidden.

an inward ache

Describes the yearning as an internal, emotional pain.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "a faraway yearning" in a sentence?

To effectively use "a faraway yearning", contextualize it with a subject and object that amplify the sense of distance and longing. For example: "She felt "a faraway yearning" for the home she had left behind" evokes a stronger emotional response than "He had "a faraway yearning" for lunch".

What are some alternatives to "a faraway yearning" that I can use to vary my writing?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "a distant longing", "a deep-seated desire", or "an unfulfilled craving" to convey similar, yet nuanced, meanings.

Is "a faraway yearning" too cliché for contemporary writing?

While not inherently cliché, "a faraway yearning" can sound somewhat sentimental. To avoid this, use the phrase sparingly and ensure it aligns with the tone and style of your writing. Consider alternatives if the context allows for a more modern expression.

How does the connotation of "a faraway yearning" differ from "a simple desire"?

"A simple desire" implies a straightforward, easily satisfied want. In contrast, ""a faraway yearning"" suggests a profound, often unattainable, longing that carries a significant emotional weight and sense of distance.