expressed a yearning

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "expressed a yearning" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing someone’s deep desire or longing for something, often in a poetic or emotional context. Example: "In her letter, she expressed a yearning for the simplicity of her childhood days spent in the countryside."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Simons, when leaving Dior, expressed a yearning for a better work-life balance.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Mr. Ives said that his friend had expressed a yearning to put his stamp on a more somber piece.

The New York Times

In an e-mail message to the news staff, Mr. Shapiro expressed a yearning to return to a hands-on role.

The New York Times

But at the same time, many expressed a yearning for a different type of leader, someone less concerned with the traditional effort to promote consensus and harmony and more of an activist, someone more like Gov. Shintaro Ishihara of Tokyo.

The New York Times

As the Yaruros ceased to struggle for the preservation of their tribal identity, they expressed a yearning to return to the Great Mother ruling the land of the dead and awaiting them in her paradise.

Encyclopedia Britannica

While Ms. Chung (whose father is Chinese and mother, British) had expressed a yearning to live in New York, "cracking the U.S., as it were, wasn't on my agenda," she said, adding that "people in London are obsessed with Brits breaking America".

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

His early, "alarmingly American" tableaux express a yearning for a world "beyond comfort and progress".

The New Yorker

When and where transitions take place, they will express a yearning for more assertiveness.

The Guardian - Opinion

Heidi never expresses a yearning for children, then suddenly shows up a blissed-out Madonna in the final scene.

The New York Times

A kind of mandala, it expresses a yearning for wholeness and spiritual consummation that the Armory Show as a whole will never deliver.

The New York Times - Arts

In another entry, from 2003, Ms. Dugard expresses a yearning for escape mixed with concern for Mr. Garrido, a convicted sex offender who fathered two children with her.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "expressed a yearning" to convey a deep, often emotional, longing for something. This phrase adds a layer of sincerity and intensity to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "expressed a yearning" in technical or formal business writing where a more direct and objective tone is preferred. Opt for phrases like "indicated a need" or "stated a preference" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "expressed a yearning" functions as a verb phrase, where "expressed" acts as the main verb and "a yearning" serves as the object. Ludwig AI highlights its usage in describing someone's deep desire or longing. This phrase indicates the outward communication of an inner feeling.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "expressed a yearning" is a verb phrase used to convey a deep and often emotional longing. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English, particularly for describing someone’s profound desire. Although grammatically correct, it's less common in everyday conversation and more suited for contexts requiring emotional depth, such as news reports, literature, or personal narratives. While synonyms like "voiced a longing" and "articulated a desire" exist, they may not fully capture the intense sentiment implied by "yearning". Therefore, choose this phrase when you aim to communicate a sincere and profound longing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

voiced a longing

Uses "longing" instead of "yearning" offering a more direct and common synonym.

articulated a desire

Replaces "yearning" with "desire", focusing on a specific wish or want.

conveyed a strong wish

Emphasizes the intensity of the desire using "strong wish" instead of "yearning".

evinced a deep longing

Employs "evinced" to suggest the yearning was revealed or made apparent.

manifested a craving for

Uses "manifested" to indicate the yearning was outwardly displayed, and "craving" to suggest a more intense desire.

indicated a deep-seated desire

Highlights that the desire is profound and deeply rooted.

professed a strong inclination

Replaces "yearning" with "inclination", suggesting a preference or tendency.

disclosed a passionate wish

Focuses on the emotional intensity using "passionate wish".

revealed a heartfelt longing

Emphasizes the sincerity and emotional depth of the longing.

communicated a profound desire

Highlights the depth of the desire using "profound desire" and "communicated" instead of "expressed".

FAQs

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

You can use "expressed a yearning" to describe someone's deep desire or longing for something. For example, "She "expressed a yearning" for her homeland after years abroad".

What can I say instead of "expressed a yearning"?

You can use alternatives like "voiced a longing", "articulated a desire", or "conveyed a strong wish" depending on the specific context.

What is the difference between "expressed a yearning" and "expressed a wish"?

"Expressed a yearning" implies a deeper, more emotional longing, whereas "expressed a wish" is more general and can refer to a simple desire or hope. Yearning is a more intense form of wishing.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use "expressed a yearning"?

It is most appropriate in contexts where you want to convey a strong sense of longing or desire, often with an emotional or nostalgic tone. It fits well in literature, personal narratives, and heartfelt communications but is less suitable for formal business or technical writing.