they burned for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they burned for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a strong desire or longing for something or someone, often in a passionate or intense manner. Example: "Throughout the years, they burned for the freedom to express their true selves."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

They burned for spice.

The New Yorker

They burned for weeks.

The New York Times

Some of my classmates were ecstatic that they improved or got the scores they burned for.

The New York Times

The first stars were born and they burned for billions of years until the hydrogen fuel at their centres had run out.

BBC

Though there was only oil enough to keep the candles lit for a single night, they burned for eight.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

They were burned for several big gains on screen passes that took advantage of their zeal in going after Williams and quarterback Jay Fiedler.

The New York Times - Sports

By the middle of the decade, Bushwick's decaying wood-frame houses were more valuable to their owners when they were burned for the insurance.

The New York Times

The colours and shapes and they burned bright for me".

The Guardian - Books

After the shovelling, they burned money for the dead to use in the afterlife.

The New Yorker

After all, they burned Galileo for heresy!

TechCrunch

My eyebrows feel like they burned off for a second, and my hair gets caught in Charles Future Brownwn's manager) glasses.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "they burned for", ensure the context clearly indicates whether you're referring to a strong desire, literal burning, or a figurative sense of intense emotion.

Common error

Avoid using "they burned for" in contexts where a literal interpretation is more likely. For instance, if discussing a fire, clarify the subject of burning to avoid ambiguity. For example, 'The building burned for hours' is more specific than 'They burned for hours' when describing a building fire.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they burned for" primarily functions as a verb phrase expressing intense desire or a state of being consumed by something. Ludwig AI indicates its grammatical correctness, and examples show its use in both literal and figurative contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they burned for" is grammatically correct but relatively rare in contemporary usage. According to Ludwig, it's mainly used to express intense desire or to describe something being consumed by fire. While it can add a strong emotional or descriptive element, it's crucial to ensure the context clarifies the intended meaning, avoiding ambiguity. Related phrases like "they yearned for" or "they longed for" can serve as suitable alternatives depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they yearned for

Replaces "burned" with "yearned", softening the intensity while retaining the sense of deep longing.

they longed for

Similar to "yearned for", but emphasizes a sense of missing something.

they craved

Focuses on a strong, almost irresistible desire.

they desired intensely

Explicitly states the intensity of their desire.

they were consumed by desire for

Emphasizes the overwhelming nature of their longing.

they were driven by a passion for

Highlights the motivational aspect of the desire.

they hungered for

Uses "hungered" to convey a basic, primal need.

they thirsted for

Employs "thirsted" to suggest a desperate need.

they ached for

Implies a deep, almost painful longing.

they were fervent in their pursuit of

Emphasizes the active and enthusiastic chasing of desire.

FAQs

What does "they burned for" mean?

The phrase "they burned for" typically means that a group of people felt an intense desire or longing for something. It can also refer literally to objects or structures that were on fire.

How can I use "they burned for" in a sentence?

You can use "they burned for" to describe intense longing or desire. For example, "They burned for freedom and equality."

What can I say instead of "they burned for"?

You can use alternatives like "they yearned for", "they longed for", or "they craved" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "they burned for"?

Yes, "they burned for" is grammatically correct, though it might sound somewhat dramatic or literary. It is important to ensure the context clearly expresses the intended meaning.