a fixation for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a fixation for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a strong and persistent interest or obsession with something. Example: "She has a fixation for collecting vintage vinyl records, often spending hours searching for rare finds."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

But a fixation for ice?

The New York Times

Aaliyah is something of a fixation for Drake.

The New York Times - Arts

The convention was far from a fixation for many people here in South Florida.

The New York Times

Nationally, the specter of voter fraud has also become a fixation for Republicans.

The Washington Post

In court, Martin Fox, the prosecutor, said, "Apparently Mr. Stromeyer has a fixation for tennis player Serena Williams".

The New York Times - Sports

Opera became a fixation for Mr. Braxton about 25 years ago, after he heard "Wozzeck," by Alban Berg.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

The word was then shown for 600 ms, followed by a fixation "+" for 3000 ms, and a blank screen for 200 ms. The lists of critical stimuli were constructed from a pool of 1080 nouns between 4 and 9 letters, and between 1 and 3 syllables in length from the CELEX database (http://www.ru.nl/celex/).

Cerebral Cortex

The stimulus onset asynchrony (SOA) at study was 3000 ms: each item was presented for 600 ms, followed by a fixation "+" for 2200 ms. The screen was then blanked for 200 ms prior to the next trial.

Cerebral Cortex

For any given trial, it started with a central fixation for a short period and then was replaced by a response cue i.e. a rhombus or a pentagram lasting for 1,000 ms for response.

Nature

Each picture was preceded by a fixation cross for 1000 ms and displayed for 2500 ms.

Current Biology

On each trial, a word was presented for 300 ms, followed by a fixation screen for 1 s, followed by the response prompt.

Nature

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a fixation for", ensure the context aligns with the intensity of the phrase. It implies more than just a passing interest; it suggests a strong, persistent focus.

Common error

Avoid using "a fixation for" when describing casual preferences or minor interests. This phrase carries a weight that can be disproportionate to the situation. Consider using softer alternatives like "a liking for" or "an interest in" when the intensity doesn't warrant the stronger term.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a fixation for" functions as a prepositional phrase that typically modifies a noun or pronoun, describing the object of someone's intense interest or obsession. Ludwig's examples show its use in various contexts, indicating its versatility.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

32%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a fixation for" is a grammatically sound and commonly used prepositional phrase to describe a strong and persistent interest or obsession. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While versatile, it's essential to ensure that its intensity aligns with the described situation, avoiding overuse in milder contexts. Alternatives like "an obsession with" or "a strong interest in" offer nuanced ways to express similar ideas. Remembering these nuances will help writers employ "a fixation for" effectively and appropriately.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an obsession with

Emphasizes the compulsive nature of the interest, making it stronger than a fixation.

a fascination with

Suggests a captivated and intrigued interest.

a preoccupation with

Highlights the extent to which the interest dominates someone's thoughts.

a passion for

Indicates a deep emotional connection and enthusiasm.

a strong interest in

Replaces "fixation" with a more general term, softening the intensity of the interest.

a keen interest in

Similar to "strong interest", but perhaps with a flavor of curiosity and active pursuit.

a craze for

Implies a widespread but potentially temporary enthusiasm.

a soft spot for

Suggests an affection for someone or something.

a thing for

An informal way to describe a liking or preference.

a taste for

Indicates a cultivated appreciation or liking.

FAQs

How to use "a fixation for" in a sentence?

You can use "a fixation for" to describe someone's strong and persistent interest in something, such as "He has "a fixation for old movies"." It implies a deeper level of interest than a simple preference.

What can I say instead of "a fixation for"?

You can use alternatives like "an obsession with", "a passion for", or "a preoccupation with" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it okay to use "a fixation for" in formal writing?

While "a fixation for" is grammatically correct, it can sound somewhat informal or intense for certain formal contexts. In those cases, consider using more neutral alternatives such as "a strong interest in" or "a keen interest in".

What's the difference between "a fixation for" and "an interest in"?

"A fixation for" implies a more intense and persistent focus or obsession, whereas "an interest in" suggests a milder and more general liking. Use "a fixation for" when you want to emphasize the strong and potentially consuming nature of someone's interest.