yearning for connection

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "yearning for connection" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a deep desire or longing for interpersonal relationships or emotional bonds. Example: "In today's digital age, many people find themselves yearning for connection, seeking meaningful interactions beyond the screen."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

It's also a response to the yearning for connection.

The New York Times - Books

And they are yearning for connection in a vast city that can silence the most gregarious extrovert.

The New York Times

Like the character who goes to an Internet site, meets a stranger for a tryst at a Utah ski resort and winds up living as a quasi-Mormon, the book has a changeable focus but a real yearning for connection.

The New York Times - Books

The landscape of this remarkable début collection of stories is built on hard-edged nouns like Kevlar, Futron, plutonium, and dyno-burner, but its real subject is the loneliness of youth, the failure of parents, and the yearning for connection.

The New Yorker

I could have waited for Sunday service, couldn't I?" But unlike Kim Noble Will Die, such scenes of degradation aren't the point of You're Not Alone, which trades less in shock than in sympathy and the human yearning for connection.

The Guardian

Just before the attacks, Hearst's Country Living commissioned a study by Yankelovich Partners that showed Americans were already leaning toward a need to simplify and a yearning for connection, which inspired the magazine's new sales campaign, "Come Home to Comfort".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Although the country is overwhelmingly Sunni Muslim, its people are largely tolerant and secular, with a yearning for connections to the West.

The New York Times

He's on to something here: Generation K is far lonelier than we might realise and yearns for connection, virtual or physical.

The Guardian

But he continues to deepen his penetration into what it means to be human and finite, to inhabit a body and yearn for connection beyond its physical, temporal limits, to achieve and maintain faith in something beyond that body.

The New York Times - Books

But in the world of this novel, whose characters yearn for connection only to be thwarted, it might refer to any of them — divided from one another, somehow always set at a distance.

The New York Times - Books

In our frantic culture, people yearn for connection.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "yearning for connection", consider the specific type of connection being sought – is it emotional, physical, social, or spiritual? Clarifying this will add depth to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "yearning for connection" in contexts that are already highly emotional or sentimental, as it can come across as melodramatic. Instead, opt for more nuanced language that shows, rather than tells, the character's desire for connection.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "yearning for connection" acts as a noun phrase, often functioning as a subject complement or object, describing a state of longing. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. For example, it can describe the underlying theme of a book, as seen in examples from The New York Times.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Books

30%

Huffington Post

20%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "yearning for connection" effectively captures a deep longing for meaningful relationships, a sentiment frequently explored in literature, news, and psychological contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in various settings. While not overly common, its presence in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian indicates its validity. The phrase is most often found in contexts discussing human emotions, social interactions, and the search for belonging, making it a valuable tool for writers aiming to convey emotional depth and resonance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

yearning for social bonds

Specifically addresses the longing to establish connections within a social context or community.

longing for companionship

Focuses more on the desire to avoid loneliness through having someone to share experiences with.

craving intimacy

Emphasizes the deep desire for close, personal relationships, often with a romantic connotation.

seeking relationships

Highlights the active pursuit of forming bonds and connections with others.

desiring human contact

Focuses specifically on the need for physical and emotional interaction with other people.

needing social interaction

Stresses the fundamental human requirement for engagement and communication within a community.

hankering for fellowship

Implies a nostalgic yearning for camaraderie and shared experiences within a group.

pining for kinship

Emphasizes a deep longing for familial bonds and a sense of belonging.

aching for rapport

Highlights the intense desire for harmonious understanding and communication with others.

thirsting for association

Conveys a strong need to be part of a group and share common interests or goals.

FAQs

How can I effectively illustrate a character's "yearning for connection" in a story?

Instead of stating it directly, show the character's actions and thoughts. For example, depict them actively seeking out social interactions, reflecting on past relationships, or feeling disappointed by superficial encounters. These actions will convey their longing more powerfully.

What are some alternative ways to express the idea of "yearning for connection" without using the exact phrase?

You can use alternatives like "longing for companionship", "craving intimacy", or "seeking relationships" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

In what situations is it most appropriate to use the phrase "yearning for connection"?

The phrase is suitable when describing a deep, emotional longing for meaningful relationships, particularly when individuals feel isolated, misunderstood, or disconnected from others. It's often used in literature, psychology, and discussions about social issues.

Is "yearning for connection" a formal or informal expression?

It leans towards a neutral to slightly formal register, suitable for both academic writing and journalistic contexts. However, its emotional depth makes it versatile enough for creative writing as well. Consider the specific tone and audience when deciding whether to use it.