yearning for knowledge

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "yearning for knowledge" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you wish to express someone's eagerness or intense desire to acquire knowledge. For example, "She had a yearning for knowledge that was only matched by her determination to succeed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

The motorbike, Granado remembers, was a symbol of their yearning for knowledge and freedom.

The Guardian - Film

By all accounts, including those of the members of Auburn's black community, Freeman was a bright and industrious child with a yearning for knowledge and a promising future.

The New York Times

But that overlooks an ingredient in the national motivation that may not spring as much from boot-camp parenting as it does from a pervasive, deeply felt yearning for knowledge.

The New Yorker

FolloWeAllison Elkin on Twitter.

Vice

If that something is unbounded consciousness - as we propose - it also manifested as creativity, love, truth, aspiration, spirituality, beauty and the very yearning for knowledge that became the process of science.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

My personal journey is like those of thousands of others who yearn for knowledge and are determined to be successful in their respective fields of study.

Science Magazine

Despite never learning how to read or write, Akbar the Great was a curious thinker who constantly yearned for knowledge.

Huffington Post

Controversies can serve as a major driving force of progress, since they stimulate thought, discussion, and the yearning for more knowledge.

Diabetes Care

The human yearning and thirst for knowledge and discovery is limitless.

Huffington Post

The approach left Noel yearning for deeper personal knowledge of all his donor offspring.

Human Reproduction

Alma yearns for friendship, for love and for knowledge.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "yearning for knowledge" to convey a deep, emotional desire for understanding, rather than a simple interest. It adds a layer of intensity and longing to the pursuit of learning.

Common error

Avoid using "yearning for knowledge" in contexts that require a neutral or objective tone. Phrases like "desire for knowledge" or "interest in learning" may be more appropriate in formal or academic writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "yearning for knowledge" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where "yearning" acts as a gerund describing the state of longing and "knowledge" is the object of this longing. This construction typically acts as a subject or object in a sentence.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "yearning for knowledge" is a grammatically correct expression used to convey a profound and emotional desire for learning and understanding. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is valid, although its frequency is rare, it appears in diverse sources, including news media, science, and encyclopedias. When writing, use "yearning for knowledge" to express a deep longing for understanding, especially when a strong emotional connection to learning is involved. Be aware of its connotations, and consider more neutral alternatives such as "desire for knowledge" in formal or objective contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

desire for knowledge

Focuses on the emotional drive and wanting to gain understanding.

hunger for knowledge

Implies a strong need and craving to learn.

thirst for knowledge

Suggests a deep and unquenchable need for learning.

quest for knowledge

Emphasizes the active pursuit and seeking of understanding.

pursuit of knowledge

Highlights the dedication to finding and acquiring understanding.

appetite for knowledge

Indicates a healthy and enthusiastic interest in learning.

passion for knowledge

Expresses a deep emotional connection and enthusiasm for learning.

zeal for knowledge

Conveys intense enthusiasm and eagerness for learning.

love of learning

Emphasizes the positive emotional connection to the process of acquiring knowledge.

avid for knowledge

Implies an enthusiastic and intense desire for knowledge.

FAQs

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

You can use "yearning for knowledge" to describe someone's intense desire to learn and understand. For example, "Her "yearning for knowledge" drove her to excel in her studies."

What are some alternatives to "yearning for knowledge"?

Alternatives include "desire for knowledge", "hunger for knowledge", or "thirst for knowledge", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

"Yearning for knowledge" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it carries a strong emotional connotation. Consider the tone of your writing and audience when using this phrase.

What is the difference between "yearning for knowledge" and "desire for knowledge"?

"Yearning for knowledge" implies a deeper, more emotional longing for understanding, while "desire for knowledge" suggests a more general and less intense wish to learn.