pine for

USAGE SUMMARY

"pine for" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can refer to a strong craving or longing for something, such as a feeling or experience. Example sentence: Despite the uncertainty of the situation, I couldn't help but pine for the good old days.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

VANYA: Don't pine for me.

The New Yorker

They pine for Ronald Reagan".

The New York Times

I never pine for winter.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

We pine for turkey, gravy, and pies.

MIT Technology Review

It's not that I pine for lamb.

The New York Times - Magazine

Others pine for the Middle Ages.

The New York Times - Arts

I started to pine for exercise.

The Guardian

"We pine for it," she said.

The New York Times - Style

It makes me pine for the fruit from the Northeast.

The New York Times - Magazine

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

The New Yorker

It's hard not to pine for that wagging tongue.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Enhance your writing by using synonyms like "yearn for" or "long for" to avoid repetition and add nuance to your expression.

Common error

Avoid confusing "pine for" with phrases that sound similar but have different meanings, such as "pin for" (to attach with a pin) or "fine for" (acceptable or a monetary penalty). Always double-check your word choice to ensure accurate communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pine for" functions as a phrasal verb, specifically a transitive one, as it requires an object. It expresses a strong and often sentimental longing or yearning. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "pine for" is a commonly used phrasal verb that conveys a deep, often sentimental, longing or yearning. As Ludwig AI highlights, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely accepted. Predominantly found in news and media sources, with neutral formality, it serves to express a strong desire for something absent or lost. While alternatives like "yearn for" and "long for" exist, "pine for" offers a specific nuance in expressing that deeply felt absence. When writing, ensure you're using it to accurately convey this sense of longing, and don't confuse it with similar-sounding phrases.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

yearn for

Emphasizes a deep, often sentimental, longing.

long for

Similar to "yearn for", but can also imply a more immediate desire.

crave

Suggests a strong physical or emotional need.

desire

A more formal term for wanting something intensely.

miss dearly

Highlights the sense of loss associated with the absence of something or someone.

hunger for

Implies a strong, almost insatiable need.

thirst for

Similar to "hunger for", suggesting a deep craving.

have a longing for

A more descriptive way of expressing a yearning.

be nostalgic for

Specifically relates to a sentimental longing for the past.

feel a pang for

Suggests a sudden, sharp feeling of longing.

FAQs

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

You can use "pine for" to express a deep longing or yearning for something. For example, "I "pine for" the days of my youth" or "She "pined for" her homeland while living abroad".

What are some alternatives to "pine for"?

Some alternatives to "pine for" include "yearn for", "long for", "crave", and "desire". The best choice depends on the specific context and the intensity of the feeling you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "pine after" instead of "pine for"?

While "pine after" might be understood, ""pine for"" is the more common and grammatically standard expression.

What's the difference between "miss" and "pine for"?

"Miss" generally expresses a feeling of sadness or longing due to someone or something being absent. "Pine for" suggests a deeper, more intense, and often sentimental longing, often for something unattainable or from the past.