yearning for something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "yearning for something" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a deep longing or desire for something that is often unattainable or distant. Example: "After years of living in the city, she found herself yearning for the tranquility of the countryside."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

A deep yearning for something.

The New York Times

You are yearning for something.

Independent

I think many of us are yearning for something better.

The New York Times

Maybe yearning for something that was a bit more structured.

The Guardian

That hasn't kept her from yearning for something better.

The New York Times

People are "yearning for something that's real", says Frank Grindrod, who teaches foraging in Massachusetts.

The Economist

It embodies a Romantic yearning for something unknown and perhaps unknowable.

The New York Times - Arts

That's why it is nearly universal, despite a general yearning for something better.

The New York Times

Underneath the characters' blasé attitudes, you sense a residual yearning for something more than pleasure.

The New York Times

But that female yearning for something softer or sweeter was hidden behind a carapace of cloth.

The New York Times

And while many onlookers shouted their support, others admitted restlessness and a yearning for something more.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "yearning for something" to convey a deep and often emotional longing for something that may be difficult to attain. This phrase works well when describing a character's internal state or a societal trend.

Common error

While "yearning for something" is widely accepted, avoid overusing it in strictly formal or scientific writing. Consider more precise or objective alternatives like "desiring" or "seeking" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

Yearning for something" functions as a verb phrase expressing a state of longing or deep desire. It often highlights an emotional need or a lack of fulfillment. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is widely accepted and appears in various contexts, primarily in News & Media.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "yearning for something" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to express a profound longing or desire. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread acceptance, particularly within News & Media. While alternatives such as "longing for something" or "craving something" exist, the choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey. When using this phrase, consider the context to ensure it aligns with the overall tone, avoiding overuse in strictly formal or scientific writing to maintain professionalism.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

longing for something

Replaces "yearning" with "longing", a synonym with similar connotations of desire.

craving something

Substitutes "yearning" with "craving", suggesting a stronger, more intense desire.

desiring something

Uses "desiring" in place of "yearning", providing a more straightforward expression of want.

wanting something deeply

Emphasizes the intensity of the desire with "deeply", modifying "wanting".

having a strong desire for something

Rephrases the idea as a "strong desire", making the sentence more formal.

aspiring to something

Focuses on the aspirational aspect of "yearning", implying a goal-oriented desire.

having a hunger for something

Employs "hunger" metaphorically to convey a strong need or desire.

pining for something

Uses "pining" to suggest a wistful and melancholic longing.

searching for something

Shifts the focus to the act of seeking what is yearned for.

seeking something

Similar to 'searching for something', but slightly more formal.

FAQs

How to use "yearning for something" in a sentence?

You can use "yearning for something" to describe a deep desire or longing. For example, "After a difficult childhood, she had a "yearning for stability"".

What can I say instead of "yearning for something"?

You can use alternatives like "longing for something", "craving something", or "desiring something" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "yearning for something" or "yearning something"?

"Yearning for something" is the correct and idiomatic construction. "Yearning something" is grammatically incorrect.

What's the difference between "yearning for something" and "wishing for something"?

"Yearning for something" implies a deeper, more emotional longing than "wishing for something", which can be a more casual desire.