a profound yearning

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a profound yearning" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a deep and intense desire or longing for something. Example: "After years of searching for her true purpose, she felt a profound yearning to travel the world and experience new cultures."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

But we know that in many places there is deep-seated discontent and a profound yearning for greater political participation.

The New York Times

"There's a lot of homesickness in Mexican music, a profound yearning because of the need to migrate, which is why I relate to it so much," Ms. Ronstadt said, sitting on her chintz sofa sipping tea, her drug of choice.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Mr Blair said the common thread running through all faiths was to "do unto others as you would have them do unto you" and continued: "(Faith) answers a profound spiritual yearning, something we feel and sense instinctively.

Independent

That pretzel is a tantalising mirage – it can be had from just one particular hot dog cart in Central Park, and when that cart cannot be found, the pretzel becomes only more delicious in its searcher's memory, encapsulating the profound yearning that sits at the novel's heart.

BBC

Nansen sensed at a profound level the "yearning after light and knowledge", and, almost uniquely, was able to marry that understanding to physical capability and snowcraft.

The Guardian - Books

And we are torn in opposite directions, so that a profound, stormy desire -- call it yearning -- is built up.

The New York Times

Inauthentic though Foer's creations may seem, they are suffused with a profound sadness for things lost, a yearning to reconstitute a shattered past, to retrieve the irretrievable, repair the irreparable, express the inexpressible.

The Guardian - Books

Amidst the elements of that "soul" - and, perhaps, at the center of it - lies a seemingly unique characteristic of countless Americans, across several hundred years: a profound but wholly de-institutionalized religious yearning or instinct.

Huffington Post

The soundtrack may be filled with Mr. Paxton and Mr. Cameron's rather dry discussion of history and technology, but the images evoke a profound melancholy, a sense of irreparable loss and inchoate yearning.

The New York Times

It was a profound choice because, as Obama no doubt knew, it was written by William Newton in 1773 to express his yearning to be redeemed for his life as a slave trader.

Huffington Post

That yearning for purity, he says, is also a debt he owes to his mother, who was a profound influence on his work.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a profound yearning" when you want to convey a deep, almost spiritual, longing for something, be it an object, an experience, or a state of being.

Common error

Avoid using "a profound yearning" in everyday conversation or informal writing. Its intensity can sound melodramatic or out of place if the context doesn't warrant such strong emotion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a profound yearning" functions as a noun phrase, where "profound" modifies the noun "yearning". According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English, typically expressing a deep and intense desire or longing.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a profound yearning" is a grammatically correct and emotionally evocative way to express a deep and intense longing. Ludwig confirms its usability in written English. While relatively rare, the phrase is most commonly found in news and media contexts. It's best used to describe significant desires that go beyond the superficial, and be mindful of avoiding overuse in casual conversation. Consider alternatives like "a deep longing" or "an intense craving" depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a profound desire

Replaces "yearning" with a synonym that maintains the depth of the feeling.

a deep-seated desire

Emphasizes the deeply rooted nature of the desire.

a deep longing

Changes the intensity and type of desire, focusing on depth of feeling rather than intellectual insight.

an intense craving

Shifts the focus to a more physical and urgent desire.

a strong desire

Reduces the depth and intensity, presenting a more general feeling.

a heartfelt wish

Emphasizes the emotional and sincere nature of the desire.

a passionate hunger

Uses a metaphor to convey a powerful and consuming need.

an insatiable appetite

Conveys a never-ending and unappeasable desire.

a powerful ache

Focuses on the painful aspect of wanting something intensely.

a fervent hope

Highlights the optimistic and enthusiastic expectation.

FAQs

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

You can use "a profound yearning" to describe a deep and intense longing. For example, "She felt "a profound yearning" for her homeland after years of being away."

What are some alternatives to "a profound yearning"?

Alternatives include "a deep longing", "an intense craving", or "a strong desire", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "a profound yearning for" something?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The phrase "a profound yearning" is typically followed by 'for' and the object of the yearning. For example, "A profound yearning for peace swept through the nation."

What distinguishes "a profound yearning" from a simple desire?

"A profound yearning" implies a deeper, more emotional, and often spiritual longing than a simple "desire". It suggests a sense of incompleteness or a deep-seated need.