feeling of yearning

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "feeling of yearning" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a deep emotional desire or longing for something or someone. Example: "After years of living abroad, she was overwhelmed by a feeling of yearning for her hometown."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Perhaps it is enough to say that the novel is in thrall to what Saramago calls the "quintessentially portuguese feeling of yearning and nostalgia known as saudade".

The New York Times

If by "hope" we mean a feeling of yearning and expectation for something to happen, and by "change" we mean an improvement of our present condition, then this is Greece's moment of hope and change – and it is an overdue moment indeed.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Y'know, those feelings of yearning and of winsomeness were quite prominent.

Independent

The current cast catches the shifts of weight that explore the woman's feelings of yearning for both men and the genuine friendship that exists in this arrangement.

The New York Times - Arts

In fact in recent days he has found himself developing strangely human traits: for the first time in his life, he has begun having dreams -- nightmares, really -- when he goes to sleep, and he has begun to suffer, as all humans do, from inchoate feelings of yearning and loss.

The New York Times - Books

"It's sort of where I write from – that feeling of homesickness, of yearning to be somewhere else," she said.

The Guardian - Books

The two pal up, play at shoplifting and pay a visit to Ray's brother's kooky Wiccan family, and before you can say Lost in Translation, stifled feelings of romantic yearning begin to stir between these two people at very different points in their lives.

The Guardian - Film

Sex, making love, is not just a feeling of lust and yearning, it's a commitment to each other to respect and love each other in every way that is possible.

Huffington Post

At no point does the viewer really get a feeling of what Suziey yearns for or a sense of what's at stake for her.

Huffington Post

Throughout the concert runs a thread of yearning, a feeling that for Ms. Cook seems synonymous with the life force.

The New York Times - Arts

Songs such as Fruit and Crybaby shift and mutate in unexpected directions; meanwhile, Abra's laconic vocal delivery belies the yearning feeling of her words.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "feeling of yearning" to express a profound sense of longing or desire, especially when referring to something unattainable or distant. For example, "She experienced a profound feeling of yearning for her homeland after many years abroad."

Common error

Avoid using "feeling of yearning" in overly sentimental or melodramatic contexts. Opt for a more straightforward expression like "longing" or "desire" to maintain clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "feeling of yearning" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It expresses a complex emotion, combining both the emotional state (feeling) and the specific emotion (yearning). Ludwig confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Huffington Post

10%

The New Yorker

10%

Less common in

Health Education Research

1%

Vice

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "feeling of yearning" is a grammatically correct and usable noun phrase that expresses a profound sense of longing or desire. According to Ludwig, the phrase is well-suited for conveying deep emotions, often associated with something unattainable or distant. While the phrase sees common usage in News & Media, it's essential to avoid overuse in overly sentimental contexts. Consider alternatives such as "sense of longing" or "emotion of desire" for a more direct expression. By understanding its nuances and appropriate contexts, you can effectively utilize "feeling of yearning" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Sense of longing

Focuses more on the duration and persistence of the yearning.

Emotion of desire

Emphasizes the wanting aspect of the feeling.

Pangs of longing

Highlights the sharp and sometimes painful nature of the feeling.

Waves of nostalgia

Connects the feeling to memories of the past.

Ache of desire

Implies a deep and persistent craving.

Heart's desire

This highlights the intensity and deep-seated quality of yearning.

Yearning in my soul

This highlights the intense and deep-seated quality of yearning.

Appetite for

Suggests a strong desire or enthusiasm for something.

Longing in my heart

This highlights the intense and deep-seated quality of longing.

Yearning for days gone by

This implies a desire for a return to a previous state.

FAQs

How can I use "feeling of yearning" in a sentence?

You can use "feeling of yearning" to describe a deep sense of longing or desire for something, often something unattainable or far away. For example, "She had a strong feeling of yearning for her family back home."

What's a good alternative to "feeling of yearning"?

Alternatives include "sense of longing", "emotion of desire", or simply "longing", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "a feeling of yearning" or "yearning"?

Both are correct, but "a feeling of yearning" emphasizes the emotional experience, while "yearning" can be used as a noun to describe the state of longing itself. The choice depends on the desired emphasis.

What's the difference between "feeling of yearning" and "sense of nostalgia"?

"Feeling of yearning" generally refers to a longing for something that is not currently present or attainable, while "sense of nostalgia" is a sentimental longing for the past.