Yearn for sb Meaning & Examples: How to Use This Phrasal Verb

What Does “Yearn for sb” Mean?

“Yearn for sb” means to have a strong, deep feeling of longing or desire for someone, often because you miss them or want to be with them.

Introduction

The phrasal verb “yearn for sb” expresses a deep emotional longing for a person. It is often used when someone misses another person intensely or wishes to be close to them. The phrase is common in both spoken and written English, especially when talking about love, friendship, or family. Understanding the “yearn for sb meaning” helps learners express feelings of desire and affection more naturally. This phrase adds emotional depth to your language and is useful in many personal and literary contexts.

Quick Info Box

• Phrasal verb: Yearn for sb (yearn for somebody)
• Type: Intransitive
• Level: B2
• Short meaning: To strongly desire or miss someone

Structure (Grammar Rules)

“Yearn for sb” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means you cannot separate “yearn” and “for” by adding the object between them.

Correct pattern: Subject + yearn + for + somebody

Example: She yearns for her childhood friend.

Incorrect pattern: She yearns her friend for. (Wrong)

How to Use Yearn for sb?

Use “yearn for sb” when you want to express a strong emotional desire or longing for a person. It is often used in romantic or emotional contexts but can also describe missing a family member or close friend. The verb is followed by “for” plus the person you are longing for.

Example contexts:

• Missing someone who is far away
• Wishing to see or be with a loved one
• Expressing deep emotional need

Examples

Here are some examples of “yearn for sb in a sentence” to help you understand how to use it naturally:

• After moving to a new city, he yearned for his family back home.
• She yearned for her childhood sweetheart during the long separation.
• Many people yearn for the company of close friends during difficult times.
• He yearned for his mother’s comforting presence when he was sick.
• Even after years apart, they still yearned for each other deeply.

Common Mistakes

People often confuse the word order or use the wrong preposition. Remember, “yearn” always pairs with “for” when talking about a person.

Incorrect: I yearn my sister.
Correct: I yearn for my sister.

Incorrect: She yearns her boyfriend.
Correct: She yearns for her boyfriend.

Differences / Synonyms

“Yearn for sb” is similar to phrases like “long for sb,” “miss sb,” or “desire sb,” but there are subtle differences:

• Yearn for sb: Strong emotional longing, often with a sense of sadness or deep desire.
• Long for sb: Similar to “yearn,” but can be slightly less intense.
• Miss sb: More common and casual, focusing on absence.
• Desire sb: Can have a romantic or physical meaning, less about emotional longing.

Common Collocations

When using “yearn for sb,” certain words often appear together to express different feelings:

• Yearn for love: Desire to be loved by someone.
• Yearn for home: Missing family or a familiar place.
• Yearn for freedom: Desire for independence.
• Yearn for company: Wanting to be with others.
• Yearn for connection: Desire for emotional closeness.

Related Phrasal Verbs

Here are related phrasal verbs of yearn for sb:

• Yearn For Sth

Real-life Dialogue

Here is a short conversation where two friends talk about their feelings:

Anna: I really yearn for my old friends since I moved away.
Ben: I understand. I yearn for my family when I’m traveling for work.

Practice

Try to complete the sentences using “yearn for sb”:

• I _______ for my best friend who moved abroad.
• She _______ for her parents when she is at college.
• They _______ for their hometown after years of living in the city.

Answers: yearn for

FAQ

• What does “yearn for sb” mean? It means to deeply desire or miss someone.
• Is “yearn for sb” formal or informal? It is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
• Can I say “yearn sb” without “for”? No, “yearn” always requires “for” when followed by a person.
• What are synonyms of “yearn for sb”? Long for sb, miss sb, desire sb (with slight differences).
• Can “yearn for sb” be used in the present tense? Yes, for example: I yearn for you.