yearning to compete

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "yearning to compete" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a strong desire or longing to engage in competition, whether in sports, academics, or other areas. Example: "After years of training, she felt a deep yearning to compete at the national level."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

These poor creatures rattle around, abrim with nervous energy, yearning to compete, braced at all times for the clang of the bell and the crack of the starting gun, never knowing peace.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

At a minimum, it is an embarrassment and a distraction to an executive who has worked diligently to maintain a clean image even as he yearned to compete with the big Wall Street firms on their own turf.

The New York Times

For the most part the best athletes yearn to compete in the best events and there's nothing better for a soccer player than a FIFA World Cup.

Huffington Post

She yearns not only to compete, but also to drive the teachers' union and some public schools into the East River.

The New York Times

That desire is beautifully portrayed, a humid urge that embodies both yearning for a lost mother and a frustrated effort to compete with, and come closer to, his remote father.

The New York Times - Books

They have to compete.

The New York Times

He loves to compete.

The New York Times

"He continues to compete.

The New York Times - Sports

"He loved to compete".

The New Yorker

You have to compete.

The New York Times - Sports

I love to compete.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "yearning to compete" when you want to convey a sense of deep longing or wistful desire to engage in a competitive activity. It's particularly effective when describing someone who has been away from competition or faces obstacles to competing.

Common error

Avoid using "yearning to compete" in professional or business settings where a more direct and less emotionally charged phrase like "eager to compete" or "wanting to compete" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "yearning to compete" functions as a gerund phrase acting as a modifier, describing a strong desire or longing. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a grammatically sound phrase. The gerund "yearning" transforms the verb into a noun-like form, emphasizing the feeling of longing.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "yearning to compete" describes a strong and emotional desire to participate in competitive activities. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, although its usage is relatively rare. While typically found in neutral to informal contexts like news and media, it should be used cautiously in more formal settings. When choosing to use "yearning to compete", consider whether the context warrants its strong emotional tone, or if a more neutral alternative like "wanting to compete" would be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

desiring to compete

Replaces "yearning" with a more neutral synonym, reducing the intensity of the desire.

longing to compete

Similar in intensity to "yearning" but offers a slightly different emotional tone.

eager to compete

Indicates a more active and enthusiastic desire to compete, rather than a wistful one.

keen to compete

Similar to "eager" but slightly more formal.

wanting to compete

A more straightforward and less emotive way of expressing the desire.

wishing to compete

Expresses a desire that may be less likely to be fulfilled.

having a strong desire to compete

More descriptive and less concise.

feeling a need to compete

Implies a sense of obligation or necessity, rather than just desire.

driven to compete

Suggests an internal force compelling one to compete.

ambitious to compete

Highlights the aspirational aspect of wanting to compete, focusing on achievement.

FAQs

What does "yearning to compete" mean?

The phrase "yearning to compete" expresses a deep longing or strong desire to participate in a competition. It suggests a wistful or emotional longing, more than a simple desire.

What can I say instead of "yearning to compete"?

You can use alternatives like "desiring to compete", "longing to compete", or "eager to compete" depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is "yearning to compete" formal or informal?

The phrase "yearning to compete" leans towards a more emotive and less formal register. While grammatically correct, it might not be suitable for all professional or business contexts.

How do I use "yearning to compete" in a sentence?

You can use "yearning to compete" to describe someone's strong desire to participate in a competition, such as: "After his injury, the athlete felt a strong "yearning to compete" again." or "Despite her age, she still had a "yearning to compete" in the local chess tournament".