yearn to be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "yearn to be" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a strong desire or longing to become something or to be in a certain state or condition. Example: "She yearns to be a successful artist, creating beautiful works that inspire others."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Americans yearn to be young.

The New York Times - Tech

"But I still yearn to be excluded!

The Guardian - Film

They yearn to be a perennial power.

The New York Times - Sports

Emerging markets yearn to be boring, at least politically.

The Economist

It's so emotionally self-contained; I yearn to be it.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

All writers yearn to be considered the best.

The New Yorker

At times he seems to yearn to be alone.

The Guardian - Books

He is talking to those who yearn to be converted.

The New York Times

This is where all neurotic "townies" frequently yearn to be.

The Guardian - Books

Where am I going to yearn to be Italian?

The New York Times - Sports

They yearn to be in a place that you're not".

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "yearn to be" when you want to express a deep and often emotional longing for a specific state or identity. The phrase adds a layer of emotional intensity to your writing.

Common error

While appropriate in many situations, overuse of "yearn to be" can sound overly sentimental or melodramatic in formal or professional writing. Consider using a more neutral alternative like "aspire to be" or "desire to be" in such contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "yearn to be" functions as an infinitive phrase often used as a verbal complement, expressing a subject's intense desire or longing. Ludwig's examples show its use across various contexts, emphasizing aspiration and emotional yearning.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "yearn to be" effectively communicates a strong desire, as affirmed by Ludwig's analysis and numerous examples. Primarily used in News & Media, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely accepted, though consider its slightly less formal tone in professional settings. For variety, alternatives like "aspire to be" or "desire to be" offer similar sentiments with subtle differences. In conclusion, understanding the emotional weight and context-appropriate use of "yearn to be" will enhance your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

yearn to become

Similar meaning, but specifically indicates a transformation or change into a different state.

long to be

Emphasizes a deep, often wistful, longing for a particular state or condition.

aspire to be

Focuses on having a goal or ambition, implying a striving towards achievement.

desire to be

Highlights a wish or craving, often implying a deep-seated longing.

crave to be

Suggests a strong and urgent need or desire.

dream to be

Focuses on the imaginative and aspirational aspect of wanting something.

wish to be

Expresses a hope or desire, often tinged with a sense of unlikelihood.

have a burning desire to be

Emphasizes the intensity and passion behind the desire.

be eager to be

Focuses on anticipation and excitement in relation to becoming something.

hope to be

Indicates a positive expectation or wish for a future state.

FAQs

How can I use "yearn to be" in a sentence?

You can use "yearn to be" to express a strong desire for a particular state or profession. For example, "She "yearns to be" a successful novelist."

What's a good alternative to "yearn to be"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "desire to be", "aspire to be", or "long to be". Each carries a slightly different nuance.

Is "yearn to be" formal or informal?

"Yearn to be" leans towards the less formal side, conveying a deeper sense of longing. In professional contexts, consider using "aspire to be" for a more formal tone.

What's the difference between "yearn to be" and "want to be"?

"Yearn to be" implies a more profound and emotional desire than "want to be", which is a more straightforward expression of preference. "Yearn" suggests a deeper, often wistful, longing.