pining for

USAGE SUMMARY

"pining for" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is usually used to describe feeling intense or longing sadness or regret for something. For example, "Lucifer had been pining for his wife since she had died a few months ago."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I'm pining for one.

The Guardian - Sport

They are not just pining for attention.

The New York Times

Is he pining for his youth?

The Guardian - Books

Gone went Mr. Mnuchin's pining for potatoes.

The New York Times

"But I wasn't pining for it.

The New York Times

He's resting... he's stunned... he's pining for the fjords.

Independent

The Bundesbank is not pining for the Deutsche Mark.

The Economist

Here, he is in Yemen, and pining for London".

Independent

David Brooks: Some of my friends are pining for Christie.

The New York Times

There's something about pining for this place that's very important.

The New Yorker

They soon died of smallpox, pining for home.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "pining for" to convey a sense of longing or yearning, often with a touch of melancholy. Ensure the context supports this emotional tone.

Common error

Avoid using "pining for" in situations where a simple 'want' or 'desire' would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound overly dramatic or insincere.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pining for" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically used as a verb complement. It indicates a state of longing or yearning, often with a sense of melancholy or wistfulness. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Wiki

12%

Academia

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Science

4%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "pining for" is a prepositional phrase used to express a strong sense of longing or yearning, often tinged with sadness. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used, with the majority of examples appearing in news and media. While versatile, it is essential to ensure the context warrants the emotional weight of the phrase. Consider alternatives like "yearning for" or "longing for" to fine-tune the expression. Be mindful of overuse, and instead choose it as an effective way to communicate heartfelt desires. The expert rating confirms that the phrase is authoritative and used consistently across domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

yearning for

Emphasizes a deep, often wistful, longing.

longing for

A general term for wanting something greatly.

craving

Suggests a strong desire or need.

desiring

A more formal way of expressing a wish or want.

aching for

Highlights the painful or emotional aspect of wanting something.

hankering for

Suggests a whimsical or lighthearted longing.

nostalgic for

Specifically refers to a longing for the past.

homesick for

Expresses longing specifically for home.

missing

A simple expression of feeling the absence of someone or something.

wishing for

Expresses a hope or desire for something to be different.

FAQs

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

You can use "pining for" to describe a strong feeling of longing or yearning for something or someone, as in "She was "pining for her lost love"" or "He spent his days "pining for the old days"".

What's a good alternative to "pining for"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "yearning for", "longing for", or "craving" to express similar sentiments.

Is "pining for" formal or informal?

"Pining for" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it's more common in literary or descriptive writing where emotional expression is valued. Consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing.

What does it mean to say someone is "pining for" something?

To say someone is "pining for" something means they are experiencing a deep and often sorrowful longing for it, typically something that is lost, unattainable, or from the past.