yearns for

USAGE SUMMARY

"yearns for" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to express that someone has a strong or intense longing or desire for something. Example: She yearned for the freedom and adventure of life in a big city.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Yearns for.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

One occasionally yearns for more.

The Economist

Wheeler yearns for her.

The Guardian - Books

He yearns for her.

The Guardian - Books

-- that every woman yearns for.

The New York Times

The nation yearns for leadership.

The New York Times

But she yearns for more.

The New York Times - Sports

"That's what he yearns for," Baker said.

The New York Times

Israel yearns for peace and security.

The Washington Post

Provincial boy yearns for big city.

The New York Times - Arts

Still, he yearns for an office.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "yearns for" to convey a deep, often emotional, longing for something that is perceived as important or essential. It adds a sense of depth and feeling to your writing.

Common error

While "yearns for" is appropriate in many situations, avoid using it excessively in highly formal or technical writing. Opt for more neutral terms like "desires" or "seeks" in those contexts to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "yearns for" functions as a verb phrase expressing a strong and deep longing or desire. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a valid and commonly used expression. Examples from Ludwig demonstrate its use in diverse contexts, from personal aspirations to societal needs.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Academia

14%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Science

6%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "yearns for" is a versatile and correct phrase used to express a deep and emotional longing. As Ludwig AI points out, it is grammatically sound and appropriate for various contexts. While "yearns for" is widely used, writers should be mindful of the audience and context, and consider more neutral alternatives like "desires intensely" in highly formal settings. The phrase is prevalent in news, media, and academic writing, demonstrating its broad applicability and effectiveness in conveying strong desires. The wide variety of examples found by Ludwig shows its consistent usage across various topics and domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

longs for

Similar in meaning, but with a slightly more poetic or wistful connotation.

craves for

Implies a strong, urgent desire, often for something essential or deeply satisfying.

desires intensely

More formal and emphasizes the strength of the desire.

hopes for

Indicates a wishful expectation, but less intense than yearning.

aspires to

Suggests a goal or ambition that one strives to achieve.

wishes for

A more general expression of wanting something, less profound than yearning.

dreams of

Implies a longing that may be unrealistic or unattainable.

seeks after

Indicates a persistent pursuit of something desired.

hankers for

Informal, suggesting a craving, often for something nostalgic or comforting.

is hungry for

Emphasizes a deep, insatiable need or desire.

FAQs

How do I use "yearns for" in a sentence?

Use "yearns for" to express a strong desire or longing. For example, "She yearns for a peaceful life" or "He yearns for the opportunity to travel".

What can I say instead of "yearns for"?

You can use alternatives like "longs for", "craves for", or "desires intensely" depending on the context.

Is "yearns for" too dramatic for professional writing?

While generally acceptable, consider the tone. In very formal contexts, alternatives like "desires intensely" or "hopes for" may be more suitable. Context is key.

What's the difference between "yearns for" and "wants"?

"Yearns for" suggests a much deeper and more emotional longing than simply "wants". It implies a strong sense of need or desire, often for something that is difficult to attain.