yearning to

USAGE SUMMARY

"yearning to" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to express a strong and intense desire or longing for something. It is usually followed by a verb. Example: She couldn't stop yearning to travel the world and experience new cultures.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A yearning to retrieve a toothpick flag?

The New York Times - Food

-- those "huddled masses yearning to breathe free".

The New York Times

The yearning to escape started early.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

We moderns are beings yearning to be filled, yearning to be overtaken by love's mysterious power.

The New York Times - Magazine

Sons yearning to impress fathers who vanished early on.

The New York Times

Watching Sam revived my teenage yearning to play hockey.

The New York Times - Sports

I'm yearning to spend a little time among the cornflakes.

The New York Times

The yearning to ensure our families' safety was powerful.

The New York Times

"Your dimming stars yearning to shine once more.

The New York Times

God gave people the yearning to discover him.

The New York Times

"But I had a yearning to do something different.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "yearning to" to convey a deep and somewhat melancholic longing, rather than a simple wish. For example, "She was yearning to return to her childhood home" is more evocative than "She wanted to return to her childhood home."

Common error

Avoid using "yearning to" in casual conversation or informal writing where a simpler term like "wanting to" or "hoping to" would be more appropriate. Overusing it can make your writing sound overly dramatic or affected.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "yearning to" is that of a verb phrase, specifically functioning as a present participle modifying a noun or pronoun. It indicates a state of longing or intense desire, typically followed by an infinitive verb to specify the object of that desire. Ludwig examples confirm its usage in expressing this state.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

7%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "yearning to" is a grammatically correct and frequently used verb phrase that conveys a strong sense of longing or desire. It is most commonly found in news and media contexts but also appears in more formal writing. Ludwig AI confirms that it's a valid and effective way to express deep emotional connections to desired outcomes. While it is acceptable to use, avoid overuse in informal conversation where alternatives like "wanting to" may be more appropriate. Notable sources include The New York Times, The Guardian, and BBC, affirming its widespread recognition and usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Longing for

Focuses on the feeling of intense desire, omitting the intention implied by "to".

Having a strong desire to

A more verbose way of conveying intense longing.

Desiring to

A more formal synonym, emphasizing a wish for something.

Craving to

Implies an intense, almost uncontrollable desire.

Aspiring to

Indicates a goal-oriented desire, often implying ambition.

Hungering to

Suggests a deep, fundamental need or desire.

Wishing to

Indicates a hope or longing for something to happen.

Pining for

Conveys a sense of deep sorrowful longing.

Wanting to

A simpler, more common expression of desire.

Eager to

Expresses enthusiasm and anticipation for something.

FAQs

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

Use "yearning to" to express a strong desire or longing. For example, "He was "yearning to" see his family after years of separation".

What are some alternatives to "yearning to"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "longing for", "desiring to", or "wishing to".

Is "yearning to" formal or informal?

"Yearning to" is generally considered more formal and evocative than simple alternatives like "wanting to". It's suitable for expressing deep or intense desires in writing and speech.

What is the difference between "yearning to" and "wanting to"?

"Yearning to" expresses a deeper, more intense desire or longing compared to the more neutral "wanting to". "Yearning" suggests a stronger emotional connection to the desired outcome.