i pine for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "i pine for" is correct and usable in written English, although it should be capitalized as "I pine for." You can use it when expressing a deep longing or desire for someone or something that is absent.
Example: "After moving away, I often find myself sitting by the window, gazing at the stars, and I pine for the days spent with my friends."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

It's not that I pine for lamb.

The New York Times - Magazine

SONIA: And if I pine for you, that's my business.

The New Yorker

There are other places in the city I pine for.

The Guardian

I pine for my powders and brushes and creams.

The New York Times - Magazine

As much as I appreciate a traditional hot fudge number, it's butterscotch I pine for.

The New York Times

I pine for the days when a set came that easy.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

Whenever we returned I pined for weeks.

The New York Times

Growing up, I pined for nothing in the mother department.

The New York Times

"I pined for a house with a garage," he said.

The New York Times

I pined for him after he was gone.

The New Yorker

I pined for the outdoors and despaired of a future working in an office, any office.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "I pine for" to express a deep longing or sentimental desire for something that is absent or unattainable, whether it's a person, place, thing, or experience. Consider the emotional weight and context when using this phrase, as it can convey a strong sense of yearning.

Common error

Avoid using "I pine for" too casually or in everyday situations where a simpler expression of missing something would suffice. Overuse can dilute the phrase's emotional impact and make your language sound affected or insincere.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I pine for" functions as a verb phrase expressing a deep and sentimental longing or yearning. As Ludwig AI confirms, the expression is grammatically correct. Examples show its use in various contexts to convey strong emotional desire.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Lifestyle

20%

Reference

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I pine for" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to express a deep longing or desire. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. It's often found in news, media, and lifestyle contexts, conveying a strong sense of yearning or nostalgia. While alternatives like "I yearn for" and "I long for" exist, "I pine for" holds its own unique sentimental weight. Use it thoughtfully to add emotional depth to your writing, while avoiding overuse in casual settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

i yearn for

Implies a deep and persistent longing, often with a sense of sadness or nostalgia. More intense than the query.

i long for

Suggests a strong desire for something that is distant or unattainable. Very similar in meaning.

i crave

Emphasizes a strong desire or need, often for something specific or tangible. Less sentimental and more immediate.

i ache for

Indicates a deep, emotional pain caused by longing. More emotional and dramatic.

i desire

A more formal and general term for wanting something. Can be used in a wider range of contexts.

i hunger for

Evokes a strong, almost primal need or desire. More intense and often used metaphorically.

i thirst for

Similar to 'hunger for', but often used in more abstract or metaphorical contexts.

i miss

Focuses on the feeling of absence or lack, particularly for people or experiences. Less intense, more casual.

i am nostalgic for

Highlights a sentimental longing for the past. More specific to past experiences.

i am incomplete without

Suggests a feeling of being unfinished or lacking something essential. Stronger emphasis on need and dependence.

FAQs

How can I use "I pine for" in a sentence?

Use "I pine for" to express a deep longing or desire for something that is absent. For example, "I pine for the days when we could travel without restrictions."

What can I say instead of "I pine for"?

You can use alternatives like "I yearn for", "I long for", or "I miss" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "I pine for"?

Yes, the phrase "I pine for" is grammatically correct and expresses a sense of longing or yearning.

What is the difference between "I pine for" and "I miss"?

"I pine for" conveys a stronger, more sentimental longing than "I miss", which is a more general expression of absence.