yearning for

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of a sentence 'yearning for' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express a strong feeling of wanting something or someone that you cannot have. Example: She sighed with a deep yearning for her long-lost family.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A deep yearning for something.

The New York Times

You are yearning for something.

Independent

A yearning for quiet.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Now I'm yearning for a change.

Independent

Because this yearning for social reading persists.

The New York Times - Magazine

Yearning for that old book smell?

The New Yorker

Yearning for release … Youla Boudali.

The Guardian - Film

"People are yearning for authenticity".

The New York Times

The yearning for peace was overwhelming.

The Guardian - Opinion

Clearly, you have a yearning for regimentation.

The Guardian - Opinion

There's a real yearning for clarity still.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure the subject of "yearning for" is capable of feeling such a longing. This phrase is typically used with animate subjects or entities that can be personified.

Common error

Avoid using "yearning for" with concrete objects that one can easily acquire. "Yearning for" is best reserved for abstract concepts, experiences, or relationships that carry emotional weight. For readily available items, use "wanting" or "desiring" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "yearning for" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically following a verb or acting as part of a verb phrase. It describes a state of deep longing or intense desire. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

82%

Science

9%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "yearning for" is a prepositional phrase used to express a deep and often emotional longing or desire. It's grammatically correct and very common in various contexts, particularly in news and media. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage and provides numerous examples. When using this phrase, ensure that the subject can logically experience such a longing and avoid using it for easily attainable items. Consider alternatives like "longing for" or "desiring" to fine-tune the specific nuance. Remembering those points will improve clarity and impact in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

longing for

Uses 'longing' instead of 'yearning', suggesting a deep emotional desire.

desiring

Replaces the prepositional phrase with a single verb, indicating a wish or want.

craving

Implies a strong need or urge, often for something specific.

pining for

Suggests a wistful and often melancholic longing.

hankering for

Conveys a strong desire or craving, often for something nostalgic or comforting.

having a strong desire for

Expands the phrase to explicitly state a strong desire.

in search of

Shifts the focus to actively seeking something desired.

hungry for

Metaphorically expresses a great need or desire, often for abstract concepts.

athirst for

A more formal and literary way of expressing a strong desire, akin to being thirsty.

thirsting for

Indicates a deep and intense craving, often for something that is lacking.

FAQs

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

Use "yearning for" to express a deep longing or desire for something. For example, "She was yearning for her home after being away for so long".

What's a good alternative to "yearning for"?

Alternatives to "yearning for" include "longing for", "desiring", or "craving", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "yearning for" and "wanting"?

"Yearning for" implies a deep, often emotional longing, while "wanting" is a more general expression of desire. You might "wanting" a new car, but you'd be "yearning for" a lost loved one.

Is it appropriate to use "yearning for" in formal writing?

Yes, "yearning for" can be used in formal writing, particularly when conveying emotional depth. However, consider your audience and ensure it aligns with the tone of your piece.