yearning for someone

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "yearning for someone" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a deep emotional longing or desire for a specific person, often in a romantic or sentimental context. Example: "After years apart, she found herself yearning for someone who had once been a significant part of her life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

The attention lavished on him over recent days suggests Republicans' yearning for someone to swoop in and save the day.

The New York Times

Voters yearning for someone who did not claw his way up like Bill Clinton should be pleased.

The New York Times

The common theme that emerges from conversations with the younger Mr. Kono's supporters is their yearning for someone who can bring change to Japan.

The New York Times

We're a muddle of both, which accounts for both our lust for physically sexy partners and our yearning for someone to share brunch with on a Sunday.

The New Yorker

The people of the United States of America, the people of Florida, are yearning for someone to bring finality to this".

The New York Times

The Huckabee strong suit is morality and the Republican voters are clearly yearning for someone without a record of spectacularly public adultery who also does not remind them of a snake-oil salesman.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

I yearn for someone to shout: "Yes!

The Guardian

You yearn for someone to verbally nutmeg him.

Independent

Or the way someone yearns for someone else.

The New York Times

They yearn for someone to give them hope.

The Guardian

As I've mentioned, it's mornings when I most miss the routine of salaried work, when I sometimes yearn for someone to be waiting for me to turn up somewhere.

The Guardian - Money

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "yearning for someone" to convey a profound and often sentimental longing, especially when describing emotional states in narrative or descriptive writing. Ensure the context supports the intensity of the emotion implied by the word "yearning".

Common error

Avoid using "yearning for someone" in everyday conversation unless you genuinely intend to express a deep, heartfelt longing. Overusing the phrase can diminish its impact and sound melodramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "yearning for someone" functions primarily as a descriptive element, adding emotional depth to a narrative or personal expression. Ludwig AI indicates its correct and appropriate usage in conveying a deep sense of longing.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

10%

HuffPost

10%

Less common in

Academia

3%

The Guardian

3%

Forbes

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "yearning for someone" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that conveys a profound emotional longing for another person. Ludwig's AI analysis confirms its appropriate use in various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While alternatives like "longing for someone" or "pining for someone" exist, "yearning" carries a particular weight and intensity. When using this phrase, consider the register and ensure it aligns with the overall tone of your writing. Avoid overuse in casual settings to preserve its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

longing for someone

This alternative directly substitutes "yearning" with "longing", maintaining the same core meaning of a deep, unfulfilled desire.

pining for someone

Similar to yearning, "pining" suggests a sorrowful and somewhat wistful longing.

aching for someone

This alternative highlights the emotional pain associated with the longing.

desiring someone intensely

Replaces "yearning" with "desiring intensely", emphasizing a strong feeling of want or need.

wanting someone desperately

Replaces "yearning" with "wanting desperately", emphasizing the urgency and intensity of the desire.

craving someone's presence

This phrase shifts the focus to the desire for physical proximity and connection with the person.

missing someone deeply

Focuses on the feeling of absence and the emotional impact of not having the person present.

having a strong desire for someone

This option is more descriptive and less evocative, but still conveys the basic meaning.

being consumed by the thought of someone

This phrase intensifies the longing by suggesting it dominates one's thoughts.

needing someone in your life

Highlights the perceived necessity of the person's presence for one's well-being.

FAQs

What does "yearning for someone" mean?

The phrase "yearning for someone" describes a deep, often sorrowful, longing or desire for a person. It suggests a strong emotional need for that person's presence or affection.

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

You can use "yearning for someone" to describe a character's emotional state in a novel or to express personal feelings in a poem or song. For example, "After their separation, she found herself "longing for someone" to share her life with again."

What are some alternatives to "yearning for someone"?

Alternatives include "longing for someone", "desiring someone intensely", or "pining for someone". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "yearning for someone" formal or informal?

"Yearning for someone" leans towards a more formal and expressive register, often found in literature or heartfelt personal writing, but you can adapt it depending on the context.