yearning to be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "yearning to be" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a strong desire or longing to become something or to be in a certain state or condition. Example: "She has always felt a yearning to be an artist, capturing the beauty of the world through her paintings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

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

The New York Times - Magazine

In some pathetic way he's yearning to be normal.

The Guardian - Books

We were burning with a yearning to be destroyed.

The New Yorker

Is this love or simply a yearning to be loved?

The New York Times - Arts

Miami, as ever, is yearning to be taken seriously.

The New York Times

But occasionally this yearning to be the best erupts into the open and onto the skyline.

The Economist

Something should be swarming Miriam, apart from her yearning to be swarmed.

The New Yorker

Bahrain excepted, they suffer no toiling masses yearning to be free, aside from deportable foreign labourers.

The Economist

Yearning to be among the masters, and blinded by self-belief?

Independent

By Gemma Cairney, radio presenter It's hideous isn't it, the yearning to be liked?

The Guardian

But his inner artist may be an abstract painter yearning to be free.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "yearning to be" to convey a deep, emotional longing or aspiration. It's particularly effective when describing a character's internal state or a societal desire for change.

Common error

While "yearning to be" is widely accepted, avoid overusing it in highly formal or technical writing. Opt for more precise and less emotive language to maintain objectivity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "yearning to be" functions as an infinitive phrase, typically used to express a strong desire or aspiration. It modifies a noun or pronoun, adding emotional depth and conveying a sense of longing. As Ludwig AI states, it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "yearning to be" is a versatile and grammatically correct expression used to convey a deep, emotional desire or aspiration. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and frequent use in written English. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it adds emotional depth to descriptions and highlights internal motivations. While generally acceptable, it's advisable to use more precise language in highly formal settings. Alternatives like "longing to be" or "desiring to be" can provide nuanced variations of this powerful phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

longing to be

Emphasizes a deep, emotional desire, akin to "yearning to be" but with a slightly more melancholic tone.

desiring to be

Presents a more straightforward and less intense form of wanting compared to "yearning to be".

wishing to be

Implies a hopeful but potentially unrealistic desire, differing slightly from the more determined sense of "yearning to be".

aspiring to be

Focuses on ambition and striving towards a goal, highlighting effort more than the emotional longing in "yearning to be".

craving to be

Suggests an intense and often uncontrollable desire, adding a stronger element of need compared to "yearning to be".

eager to be

Implies enthusiasm and anticipation, shifting the focus from longing to excited expectation, unlike "yearning to be".

ambitious to be

Highlights the drive and determination to achieve a specific outcome, differing from the more general desire in "yearning to be".

determined to be

Emphasizes resolve and commitment, focusing on action rather than the emotional aspect of "yearning to be".

wanting to become

A more direct and less nuanced expression of desire, lacking the depth of emotion in "yearning to be".

hoping to be

Indicates a desire with an element of uncertainty or reliance on external factors, unlike the inherent drive implied by "yearning to be".

FAQs

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

You can use "yearning to be" to express a strong desire or longing to become something or to be in a certain state. For example, "She has always felt a "yearning to be" an artist."

What are some alternatives to "yearning to be"?

Alternatives include "longing to be", "desiring to be", or "aspiring to be", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "yearning to be" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, "yearning to be" may be too emotive for some formal contexts. Consider alternatives like "desiring to be" or "intending to be" for a more neutral tone.

What's the difference between "yearning to be" and "wanting to be"?

"Yearning to be" implies a deeper, more emotional and persistent desire than "wanting to be", which is a more general expression of desire.