strong yearning

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "strong yearning" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a deep or intense desire for something or someone. Example: "After years of living abroad, she felt a strong yearning to return to her hometown and reconnect with her roots."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

But one factor, often overlooked, is the equally strong yearning for stability at the top, even when it means maintaining a much-maligned status quo.

The New York Times

Muslims in India outperform their neighbours in Pakistan on some social indicators, such as having lower fertility rates and infant mortality, and higher literacy and life expectancy.He also sees a strong yearning among Muslims for education, including for girls, that was absent before.

The Economist

I was dispatched to fancy dress parties as a pirate ("anything but a princess!") and had a near identical haircut to my brothers for years, until they got crew cuts, but somewhere along the way I acquired a silky white dress, my "bridesmaid" dress, and a strong yearning for a pair of blue ballet shoes (never got them).

The Guardian - Lifestyle

For instance, I "hope I get the promotion at work," whereas a "wish" is often associated with magic, sorcery, or a strong yearning.

Huffington Post

Shelby (Chloë Grace Moretz, The Equalizer), Beth Kiersey Clemonss, Dope) and Nora (Beanie Feldstein, Fan Girl) create Kappa Nu, a safe haven for young women who have high self-esteem and a strong yearning for marijuana.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Since matter, according to Aristotle and Plotinus, "yearns for formation" and, thus, moving toward the nearness of God, causes the rotation of the spheres, the finest matter of the highest spheres is propelled by the strongest "yearning," which issues from God and returns to him and is active in man (akin to the last line of Dante's Divine Comedy: "The love which moves the sun and the other stars").

Encyclopedia Britannica

Channelling his inner Sigmund, he said that he and Murdoch shared a "very strong primal yearning for an identity that is your own".

The New Yorker

The stronger the uncertainty, the stronger the yearning for organizing ideas.

Huffington Post

Ironically, the stronger the yearning, the less critical people become of the completeness, correctness, or even coherency of the ideas they are willing to adopt.

Huffington Post

Bale and her co-authors hypothesized that dieting leaves people more susceptible to the chronic stresses of everyday life, making even the strongest dieter yearn for a pint of ice cream or a hot, cheesy pizza.

Science Magazine

"Even as a child I had a strong relationship with yearning and desire.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "strong yearning" to express a profound and deeply felt desire, particularly when conveying a sense of longing or aspiration that is both powerful and persistent.

Common error

Avoid using "strong yearning" in everyday conversations or informal writing. The phrase carries a certain weight and intensity, making it more suitable for literary, formal, or deeply emotional contexts. Alternatives like "really want" or "eagerly anticipate" may be more appropriate for less serious situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "strong yearning" functions as a noun phrase, where "strong" modifies the noun "yearning". It commonly acts as a subject or object in a sentence, expressing the existence of an intense desire, as supported by Ludwig AI's analysis.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "strong yearning" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. While not exceedingly common, it effectively conveys a profound and deeply felt desire. The phrase finds its place in various contexts, particularly news, encyclopedias, and scientific publications, indicating a neutral yet somewhat formal register. When seeking alternatives, consider options like "intense longing" or "deep desire" to express similar sentiments with slightly different nuances. Use "strong yearning" when you want to convey a powerful and persistent feeling of longing. Remember that while correct and usable, this expression is more appropriate for serious, and emotional contexts than casual ones.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intense longing

Emphasizes the emotional intensity of the desire.

passionate longing

Combines both the emotional intensity and the sense of distance from the desired object.

deep desire

Highlights the profound nature of the want.

powerful craving

Suggests an almost uncontrollable urge.

fervent wish

Conveys passionate hope and expectation.

ardent aspiration

Indicates an ambitious and enthusiastic goal.

profound hunger

Metaphorically represents a deep unmet need.

consuming passion

Implies an all-encompassing emotional drive.

unwavering hope

Focuses on the steadfastness of the desire.

earnest desire

Highlights the sincerity and seriousness of the wanting.

FAQs

How can I use "strong yearning" in a sentence?

You can use "strong yearning" to express a profound desire for something. For example, "She felt a "strong yearning" for her homeland after being away for many years."

What are some alternatives to "strong yearning"?

Alternatives include "intense longing", "deep desire", or "powerful craving", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "strong yearning" formal or informal?

"Strong yearning" leans towards a more formal register due to its intensity and somewhat literary quality. It's suitable for expressive writing, formal speeches, or in-depth analyses.

What distinguishes "strong yearning" from simply wanting something?

"Strong yearning" implies a deeper, more emotional connection and a sense of longing that goes beyond a simple desire. It suggests a more profound and often unmet need.