What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
pining
Example
After her breakup, she spent months pining for her ex-boyfriend. [pining: verb]
Example
He was in a state of pining after his dog passed away. [pining: noun]
craving
Example
I have been craving pizza all week. [craving: verb]
Example
She had a sudden craving for chocolate cake. [craving: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Craving is more commonly used than pining in everyday language. Craving is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while pining is less common and has a more specific meaning.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between pining and craving?
Both pining and craving can be used in formal and informal contexts, but pining may be perceived as more formal due to its less frequent usage in everyday language.
