he yearned for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he yearned for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a strong desire or longing for something or someone. Example: "He yearned for the days of his youth, filled with carefree adventures and laughter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

But he yearned for the big city.

The New York Times

He yearned for a change.

The New York Times

Yet he yearned for the glamorous life.

The New York Times

He yearned for approval and assumed he was being rejected.

The Economist

Through these misfires, he learned what he yearned for.

The New York Times

But he yearned for something personal.Apple provided the key.

The Economist

A Puritan radical, he yearned for an uncorrupted, premodern England.

The New Yorker

He yearned for "a bright gleam of a mother's love".

The Guardian - Books

Mr. Bharara said he yearned for something better than what he called this "blunt prosecutor's tool".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

He yearned for young blacks to want to strive to win baseball awards, too.

The New York Times - Sports

He said he yearned for a calling.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "he yearned for" to convey a deep, often wistful, longing for something that is not easily attainable. The phrase adds emotional depth to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "he yearned for" in contexts that require a straightforward or factual tone. Opt for alternatives like "he wanted" or "he desired" to maintain a neutral style.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he yearned for" functions as a verb phrase expressing a strong desire or longing. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. Examples show it describing desire for approval, change, freedom, or even material possessions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

97%

Wiki

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "he yearned for" effectively conveys a deep longing or desire, finding frequent use in various forms of writing, especially in news and media. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. While its formality is neutral, it's vital to consider alternatives like "he longed for" or "he desired" depending on the specific tone and context needed. When composing, avoid overusing "he yearned for" in factual writing; instead, choose more direct language to maintain a neutral tone. Recognizing that "he yearned for" is a way of expressing a deep emotional need, the phrase should be used purposefully to enhance the emotional depth of the text.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he longed for

This alternative is highly similar, replacing "yearned" with "longed", another word that expresses a deep desire.

he craved

This alternative suggests a strong desire, often for something essential or addictive, adding a sense of intensity.

he desired

This alternative is a more formal way of expressing a wish or want for something.

he pined for

This alternative implies a sorrowful longing, often for something lost or unattainable.

he hungered for

This alternative uses "hunger" metaphorically to suggest a strong and basic need or desire.

he thirsted for

This alternative uses "thirst" metaphorically to suggest a strong craving or need.

he wished for

This alternative is a simpler and more general way of expressing a desire for something.

he hoped for

This alternative expresses a desire with an element of expectation or anticipation.

he dreamed of

This alternative suggests a desire that is often associated with imagination and fantasy.

he ached for

This alternative expresses a deep emotional pain or longing.

FAQs

What does "he yearned for" mean?

The phrase "he yearned for" means he had a deep and persistent longing or desire for something. It suggests a strong emotional connection to what he wanted.

How can I use "he yearned for" in a sentence?

You can use "he yearned for" to describe someone's deep desire for something, such as "After years of working in a small town, "he longed for" the excitement of the city."

What are some alternatives to "he yearned for"?

Alternatives to "he yearned for" include "he longed for", "he desired", or "he craved", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "he yearned for" formal or informal?

"He yearned for" is considered relatively formal. In more casual contexts, you might prefer a simpler phrase like "he wanted" or "he wished for".