a fad for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a fad for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a temporary trend or enthusiasm for something, often in the context of fashion, behavior, or interests. Example: "There seems to be a fad for vintage clothing among young people this season."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

"Her faith wasn't a fad for her.

The Washington Post

This is not just a fad for a decade.

The Washington Post

But Italians have developed a fad for high-profile exhumation.

The Economist

The song became a No. 1 hit and created a fad for 12-string guitars.

The New York Times - Arts

In the economic turbulence of the '70s, there was a fad for nostalgia for the '50s.

The New York Times

There was a fad for abstractions in the plural: "Perspectives," "Structures," "Quantities," "Configurations," "Interpolations".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

Move over FADs ("for a day"), it's time for FAFYs ("for a few years").

TechCrunch

It takes no time for a style to become a fad or for tradition to become prim imitation.

The New York Times

CAR clubs, whose members pay an annual fee and then rent a car by the hour on a pay-as-you-go basis, are moving from a fringe fad for greens to a big global business.

The Economist

Part horse racing, part futures market, it lets people bet on whether a product is a fad or for real.

MIT Technology Review

While 3D tech on smartphones is not currently the norm — beyond a brief fad for 3D screens a few years back — interest in mobile 3D is building again.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a fad for", consider the duration and intensity of the trend you're describing. Is it a short-lived burst of popularity or a more sustained interest?

Common error

Avoid using "a fad for" to describe something that has long-term staying power. Fads are, by definition, temporary.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a fad for" functions as a noun phrase that identifies a temporary period of popularity or widespread enthusiasm for something. This is validated by Ludwig, indicating its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a fad for" is a commonly used phrase to describe a temporary trend or enthusiasm. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and appears frequently in news and media, though less so in formal academic or scientific writing. While the phrase itself is acceptable, it's crucial to consider the context and duration of the trend being described. Consider using alternatives such as "a trend for" or "a craze for" to better suit the nuance and register of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a trend for

Focuses on the direction or course of something that is popular.

a craze for

Emphasizes the intensity and widespread nature of the temporary enthusiasm.

a fashion for

Specifically relates to styles and practices that are popular at a certain time.

a vogue for

Similar to "fashion", but can also imply a broader cultural movement.

an enthusiasm for

Highlights the positive feeling associated with the trend.

a mania for

Emphasizes an excessive or obsessive enthusiasm.

a penchant for

Suggests a liking or inclination, often implying a personal preference rather than a widespread trend.

a boom for

Indicates a sudden increase in popularity or success.

a liking for

Implies a fondness or enjoyment, less about a widespread trend.

a taste for

Indicates a preference or appreciation, often in the context of food or art.

FAQs

How can I use "a fad for" in a sentence?

You can use "a fad for" to describe a short-lived trend or enthusiasm. For example, "There's "a fad for" miniature succulents among apartment dwellers this year".

What's the difference between "a fad for" and "a trend for"?

While both describe popularity, ""a fad for"" suggests a more short-lived and often more intense interest than "a trend for", which might indicate a longer-lasting shift.

What are some alternatives to "a fad for"?

You can use alternatives like "a craze for", "a fashion for", or "a vogue for", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "a fad for" in formal writing?

While "a fad for" is generally acceptable, more formal alternatives like "an emerging trend" or "a growing interest in" might be preferable in academic or professional contexts.