yearned for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'yearned for' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use the phrase to express a strong feeling of longing or wishing for something. For example, "My son yearned for the approval of his father."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Men yearned for spice.

The New Yorker

People yearned for provocative ideas.

The Economist

They yearned for fresh air.

The New York Times

We yearned for each other.

The New Yorker

Even the early Puritans, wary of royalty, yearned for entry.

The New York Times - Science

Ms. Fleischman, too, yearned for something constant beyond her work.

The New York Times

She had saved her money and yearned for her children.

The New York Times

Both, somewhat vaguely, yearned for a return to spiritual values.

The Guardian

Who hasn't yearned for answers?

Huffington Post

The public yearned for more.

Huffington Post

He still yearned for artistic recognition from Prague.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "yearned for" to express a deep, often emotional longing for something that is absent or unattainable.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "yearned for" can sound overly sentimental in formal or professional writing. Opt for more neutral alternatives like "desired" or "sought" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "yearned for" primarily functions as a verb phrase expressing a strong desire or longing. As Ludwig AI confirms, it conveys a sense of deep emotional need, applicable across diverse contexts. Examples show its use to describe longings for both tangible and intangible things.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

86%

Academia

7%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "yearned for" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to convey a deep and emotional longing. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's prevalent in News & Media, Academia and Wiki contexts, reflecting its broad applicability. While generally neutral to slightly formal, it is essential to check the context. When a more neutral tone is required, consider alternatives such as "desired" or "sought". Remember to reserve "yearned for" for instances where a strong sense of emotional desire is intended.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

longed for

Similar in meaning, but perhaps a slightly more subdued expression of desire.

craved

Conveys a more intense and immediate desire.

desired greatly

Emphasizes the intensity of the desire.

pined for

Suggests a sorrowful longing, often for something unattainable.

hankered after

Implies a persistent and sometimes restless desire.

wished for ardently

Highlights the fervent and passionate nature of the wish.

coveted

Indicates a strong desire, often with a hint of envy, for something belonging to someone else.

thirsted for

Suggests a deep and fundamental need or craving.

ached for

Conveys a deep emotional pain of missing someone or something.

aspired to

Focuses on ambitious goals or achievements rather than simple desire.

FAQs

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

You can use "yearned for" to describe a deep longing or strong desire for something. For example, "She "longed for" a simpler life", or "He "yearned for" artistic recognition".

What are some synonyms for "yearned for"?

Alternatives to "yearned for" include phrases like ""longed for"", "craved", "desired greatly", or "pined for". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "yearned for" formal or informal?

"Yearned for" falls in the neutral to slightly formal register. It is appropriate for many types of writing, but may sound overdramatic in very formal or technical contexts, where you should consider using "desired" or "sought" instead.

What's the difference between "yearned for" and "wished for"?

"Yearned for" suggests a deeper, more emotional longing than "wished for". While both express a desire, "yearned for" implies a sense of absence and perhaps even sadness, whereas "wished for" can be a more casual expression of wanting something.