she yearned for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "she 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: "After years of living in the city, she yearned for the tranquility of the countryside."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

She yearned for the world.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

After the accident, she yearned for a change.

Princeton University

At the same time, she yearned for larger stages.

The New Yorker

One day, hiding in this passage she yearned for Tom Welch to find her & kiss her.

The New Yorker

By her own account, as well as Dogar's, she yearned for sexual love.

The Guardian - Books

She yearned for great parts and did indeed get some, but by her own admission, never pushed for more.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

Bored with her existence, she yearns for sexual and social liberation.

The Guardian - Film

Still, she yearns for even more data, something closer to the command of the day-to-day process she had at eBay.

The New York Times - Tech

All her life she'd yearned for that absent man, even as she'd resented him.

The New Yorker

Upon his return he made the call she'd yearned for, and it lasted for hours.

The New York Times

Soon Judit will despise the privilege she'd yearned for: "This woman would never forgive Peter for being middle-class".

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "she yearned for" to express a deep and persistent longing, especially when describing emotional or intangible desires. For instance, "She yearned for a world where everyone was treated equally."

Common error

While "she yearned for" is generally acceptable, avoid overusing it in formal writing. Opt for more neutral alternatives like "she desired" or "she wished for" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "she yearned for" functions as a verb phrase, where 'yearned' is the main verb expressing a strong and deep desire. Ludwig highlights its use in various contexts, illustrating its role in depicting emotional longing.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "she yearned for" effectively conveys a deep and persistent longing. Ludwig AI indicates the expression is grammatically sound and suitable for various contexts, although overuse in formal settings should be avoided. Predominantly found in news and media sources, it serves to express strong emotional desires. Alternatives such as "she longed for" or "she craved" can be used to convey similar sentiments, each with its subtle nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

she longed for

This alternative conveys a similar sense of deep desire, often implying a wistful or sentimental feeling.

she craved

This option suggests a strong desire, often for something physical or immediate.

she desired

A more formal way to express a strong wish or want.

she yearned to have

Specifically indicates a desire to possess or experience something.

she pined for

Implies a deep and often sorrowful longing.

she wished for

Expresses a hope or desire, often for something perceived as unattainable.

she hankered for

An informal way to describe a strong craving or longing.

she hungered for

Suggests a deep and intense need, often metaphorically.

she thirsted for

Similar to 'hungered for', implying a strong and urgent need.

her heart ached for

Emphasizes the emotional pain of longing.

FAQs

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

You can use "she yearned for" to express a deep longing or desire. For example, "After being away from her family for so long, she yearned for the comfort of their presence."

What phrases are similar to "she yearned for"?

Similar phrases include "she longed for", "she craved", and "she desired". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "she yearned for" suitable for formal writing?

While generally acceptable, "she yearned for" might be perceived as too emotional for highly formal contexts. Consider using "she desired" or "she wished for" in such cases.

What's the difference between "she yearned for" and "she wanted"?

"She yearned for" conveys a much deeper and more intense longing than "she wanted". "Wanted" simply indicates a desire, whereas "yearned for" suggests a profound emotional need or desire.