a deep fondness for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a deep fondness for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a strong affection or liking for someone or something. Example: "She has a deep fondness for classical music, often attending concerts and recitals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Film

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

The three bandleaders share a deep fondness for the understated grace of Brazilian pop tunes, but they branch out.

The New York Times - Arts

He has professed a deep fondness for mangoes, and his interests include studying ways to increase global happiness.

The New York Times - Science

Dexter Guerrieri, the president of Vandenberg, the Townhouse Experts, admits to a deep fondness for the crystal doorknobs and brass-accented window sashes in his Brooklyn Heights brownstone.

The New York Times

Pinter — who started out as an actor (under the name David Baron) — retained a deep fondness for that profession, Mr. Sands says.

The New York Times

The music harks back to the multiple-guitar attack of Lynyrd Skynyrd and shows a deep fondness for both the rowdiness and the stateliness it inherited.

The New York Times

[Laughs] However, I have a deep fondness for Raynes Park and my mum is there still so I do go back.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

Barratt recently developed a deeper fondness for it when he showed it to his sons.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Despite an age gap of 26 years, Cornell developed a deep fondness and affection for the Japanese artist, flooding her mailbox with letters, personalized collages, and calling her on the phone constantly.

Huffington Post

Both Lucy and her sister Daisy had a hugely deep fondness for their father, but they have become cynical about the continued interest in him.' While Wendy Cook acknowledges that her husband's drinking began during their time together, she said she never saw him drunk.

The Guardian

The fact that both Bartley and Williamson have an obvious deep fondness for their British roots is an even more telling indictment of London's inability to hold on to them.

The Guardian

When Mr. Nehru received the letter of resignation, he wrote back a note that was curiously dismissive of Mr. Chagla and that betrayed his deep fondness for Mr. Krishnamachari: "Despite the clear finding of the Commission so far as you are concerned, I am most convinced that your part in this matter was the smallest and that you did not even know what was done".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a deep fondness for" to convey a strong but gentle affection. It's suitable when describing feelings towards hobbies, places, or people you admire without intense passion.

Common error

While "deep" emphasizes the intensity, avoid overuse in formal writing where subtlety is preferred. Consider alternatives like "strong" or "genuine" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a deep fondness for" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. According to Ludwig, it expresses a strong affection or liking. Examples show it describing feelings toward hobbies, places, or people.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Film

12%

Huffington Post

8%

Less common in

Vice

4%

Science

4%

Books

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a deep fondness for" is a grammatically correct and commonly used noun phrase to express a strong, but not overwhelming, affection or liking. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It is most frequently found in News & Media, indicating its broad applicability and neutral register. While effective, consider alternatives like "profound affection for" for more intensity or "strong liking for" for a less sentimental tone. Avoid overusing the adjective "deep" in excessively formal contexts for enhanced clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a profound affection for

Emphasizes the depth and intensity of the affection.

a deep love for

Expresses a more intense and passionate feeling.

a strong liking for

Indicates a considerable degree of preference or enjoyment.

a marked preference for

Highlights a clear and noticeable favoritism.

a great admiration for

Highlights respect and high regard.

a heartfelt appreciation for

Suggests a genuine and sincere gratitude or value.

a warm appreciation of

Suggests a positive and pleasant regard.

a soft spot for

Implies a particular affection, often unexpected or sentimental.

a special attachment to

Implies an emotional connection or bond.

a keen interest in

Indicates a strong curiosity and engagement.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "a deep fondness for"?

You can use alternatives like "a profound affection for", "a strong liking for", or "a heartfelt appreciation for" depending on the context.

How to use "a deep fondness for" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe someone's affection for something, like, "She has a deep fondness for classical music." Or, "He developed a deep fondness for the small town after spending his summers there."

Is "a deep fondness for" formal or informal?

The phrase is generally considered neutral to slightly formal. It's suitable for most writing contexts, but consider more formal alternatives like "a profound respect for" in very formal settings.

What's the difference between "a deep fondness for" and "a strong liking for"?

"A deep fondness for" suggests a more profound and sentimental attachment, while "a strong liking for" indicates a significant degree of enjoyment or preference without necessarily implying deep emotion.