yearn for

USAGE SUMMARY

"yearn for" is correct and usable in written English.
It is a verb that expresses a strong desire or longing for something or someone. For example, "I yearn for the day that I can travel the world."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Others yearn for riches.

The Economist

Now they yearn for it.

The New Yorker

WE yearn for turning points.

The New York Times

But families yearn for action.

The New York Times

You yearn for food.

The New York Times - Style

Many immigrants and citizens yearn for reform.

The New York Times

I yearn for it all week.

The New York Times

"This is what you yearn for.

The New York Times

Those that remain yearn for better leadership.

The Economist

Both yearn for him to stumble here.

Independent

He didn't yearn for this outcome.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "yearn for" to express a deep and often sentimental longing for something, whether it's a tangible object, a person, or an abstract concept like freedom or justice.

Common error

Avoid using "yearn for" in contexts where a simple desire or preference is sufficient. The phrase carries a strong emotional weight and can sound melodramatic if used casually.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "yearn for" functions as a verb phrase expressing a strong desire or longing. It typically takes an object, indicating what is being yearned for. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a standard English construction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "yearn for" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to convey a deep longing or desire, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. While versatile, it is important to use it judiciously, reserving it for contexts where a strong emotional tone is appropriate. Its usage is predominantly found in news and media, with a slightly formal register. Remember that synonyms like "long for" or "crave" may be more suitable in certain situations. By considering these guidelines, you can effectively use "yearn for" to add depth and emotion to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

long for

Replaces "yearn" with "long", maintaining a similar level of intensity in expressing desire.

crave

Uses a different verb to indicate a strong desire, often for something specific.

desire

A more formal synonym for "yearn", indicating a wish or strong feeling of wanting something.

pine for

Conveys a sense of deep longing and sadness, often for something unattainable.

have a longing for

Expresses the sentiment as a noun phrase, emphasizing the feeling of longing.

wish for

Indicates a desire for something to happen or be true.

hunger for

Implies a strong, almost desperate need or desire.

thirst for

Similar to "hunger for", suggesting an intense desire for something, often knowledge or experience.

have a strong desire for

A more verbose way of expressing the same sentiment, emphasizing the intensity of the desire.

long to experience

Focuses on the desire to undergo a particular experience or event.

FAQs

How to use "yearn for" in a sentence?

You can use "yearn for" to express a strong desire or longing. For example, "Many immigrants and citizens "yearn for reform"" or "I "yearn for the Vic"."

What can I say instead of "yearn for"?

You can use alternatives like "long for", "crave", or "desire" depending on the context.

Is "yearn for" formal or informal?

"Yearn for" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it often carries a slightly more sentimental or emotional tone than a simple statement of desire.

What is the difference between "yearn for" and "desire"?

"Yearn for" implies a deeper, more emotional longing than "desire". While both express wanting something, "yearn for" suggests a sense of missing something significant.