he yearns for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he yearns 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 yearns for the days when life was simpler and more carefree."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He yearns for her.

The Guardian - Books

"That's what he yearns for," Baker said.

The New York Times

Still, he yearns for an office.

The New York Times

As he yearns for a ring, Abreu recognizes his responsibility.

The New York Times - Sports

He yearns for the elusive Gallic spirit again.

Independent

And he yearns for an outright parliamentary majority so that he can pass legislation without constraints.

The Economist

Indeed, it is on television that, as a child, he finds the clarity he yearns for.

The New Yorker

In his introduction, Dalrymple says he yearns for his narratives to be free of authorial interference.

The New York Times - Books

As for Chico Lledo, the man of the movable loft, he yearns for even greater mobility.

The New York Times

He yearns for the scent of winter mornings and summer evenings.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He yearns for something else, something more, if only he knew what it was.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "he yearns for" to convey a deep, often emotional, longing for something or someone. Consider the specific nuance you want to express, as other similar phrases might carry slightly different connotations.

Common error

While grammatically correct, overuse of "he yearns for" can sound overly dramatic or formal in casual conversations or informal writing. Choose simpler alternatives like "he wants" or "he really likes" for everyday situations to avoid sounding pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he yearns for" functions as a verb phrase, with "yearns" acting as the main verb expressing a strong desire or longing. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct. Examples from Ludwig show its consistent use in describing a subject's intense desire.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "he yearns for" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to convey a deep longing or desire. According to Ludwig AI, its primary function is to describe a strong emotional need or aspiration. While generally neutral, its formality can vary depending on the context. Ludwig's examples highlight its prevalence in news and media, making it a versatile choice for expressing characters' motivations or aspirations in writing. Consider using alternatives like "he longs for" or "he craves" for subtle variations in meaning, and be mindful of overusing it in informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he longs for

A slightly more literary alternative, emphasizing a deep sense of missing something.

he craves

Implies a powerful, almost uncontrollable desire.

he desires

A more formal and general term for wanting something strongly.

he pines for

Suggests a melancholic longing, often for something unattainable.

he hungers for

Emphasizes a fundamental need, like food.

he thirsts for

Similar to 'hungers for', but evokes a different physical sensation.

he dreams of

Focuses on aspirations and fantasies about something.

he hopes for

Expresses a wishful expectation of something positive.

he wishes for

Similar to 'hopes for' but can also imply a sense of impossibility.

he aspires to

Highlights ambition and the striving towards a goal.

FAQs

What does "he yearns for" mean?

The phrase "he yearns for" means that he has a deep and persistent longing or desire for something. It suggests a strong emotional connection or need.

What can I say instead of "he yearns for"?

You can use alternatives like "he longs for", "he craves", or "he desires" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "he yearns for" formal or informal?

The phrase "he yearns for" leans towards the formal side, suggesting a more profound or literary context. In casual settings, simpler expressions like "he wants" may be more appropriate.

How do I use "he yearns for" in a sentence?

You can use "he yearns for" to describe someone's strong desire for something, such as: "He yearns for the day he can return home", or "He yearns for a simpler life away from the city".