a fondness that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a fondness that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a particular affection or liking that someone has for something or someone. Example: "She has a fondness that is evident in the way she talks about her childhood memories."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

He champions Othello and Chimes at Midnight, a fondness that might surprise readers of The Road to Xanadu.

The New York Times - Books

Even his experience of fleeing the police during furtive sex in public parks is recalled with a fondness that belies the period stereotype of shame, fear and disgrace.

The New York Times

Perry's singular characters are drawn with a fondness that is both palpable and contagious, and the beautifully observed changing seasons permitted space to breathe, all making for pure pleasure.

The Guardian - Books

[C3.] POP CULTURE In a testament to the power of pop culture, John McCain, despite ridicule from pundits, talks about some popular television programs with a fondness that seems authentic.

The New York Times

As a child of the 80s, I remember Laser Tag with a fondness that belies the actual number of times I played with that fairly simple gun and target toy.

TechCrunch

Some black voters said on Saturday they did not see a reason to switch their loyalty away from Clinton, a fondness that dates back to her husband Bill Clinton's presidency.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

"Oh, you ain't walking anywhere, buddy," he tells you with a stern fondness that makes you uneasy.

The New Yorker

With a cheeky sense of humor and a tart tongue and nasal Londoner twang to convey it, Mr. Livingstone built up a popular fondness that allowed him to survive several campaign gaffes.

The New York Times

This is the first of many references to Settle's antipathy for the publishing world, a theme she visits with a frequency and fondness that suggest how grumpy she must have been by the time she was piecing together this last work.

The New York Times - Books

To describe the effect as an epiphany would be going too far, but the sight of this pleasure steamer planted an interest in me (reinforced the same evening by sailing home on a ship where the crowds on deck sang to an accordion band) that grew into an enthusiasm, and in adolescence almost to an obsession, before falling back into a deep fondness that still persists.

The Guardian - Opinion

It's with a certain fondness that I reflect on the crazed year of 1857, which began with Gustave Flaubert in court for his first novel, Madame Bovary (in the presence of a stenographer, hired by Flaubert, for the benefit of an incredulous posterity), followed, six months later, by Charles Baudelaire, on trial for his first book of poems, Les Fleurs du Mal.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "a fondness that" to express a gentle and affectionate liking for something, often rooted in pleasant memories or positive associations. For example: "He has a fondness that makes him revisit his childhood home every summer."

Common error

While "a fondness that" is generally acceptable, avoid overusing it in highly formal or academic writing. Consider more precise synonyms like "appreciation", "affinity", or "predilection" to maintain a sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a fondness that" functions as a noun phrase functioning as a subject complement or object of a preposition. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is correct and usable. The phrase typically introduces a description of the object of affection.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Books

22%

Opinion

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a fondness that" is a grammatically correct and usable expression to convey a gentle and affectionate liking. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While the phrase sees more frequent use in contexts such as News & Media, Books, and Opinion, alternatives like "an affection that" or "a liking that" might be more appropriate in formal writing. Understanding its subtle difference from stronger emotions like "love" helps in precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a love that

Signifies a much stronger and deeper emotional connection than fondness, implying a profound affection.

a preference that

Indicates a choice or higher regard for one thing over another, focusing on comparative evaluation rather than affection.

a taste that

Suggests a cultivated appreciation or refined preference, differing from the more general and heartfelt nature of fondness.

a penchant that

Refers to a strong inclination or habitual liking, suggesting a more ingrained preference than a simple fondness.

a propensity that

Indicates a natural inclination or tendency, suggesting an inherent predisposition rather than a cultivated fondness.

a gusto that

Emphasizes the enthusiastic enjoyment or zeal with which something is approached, highlighting the energy behind the liking.

a craze that

Indicates a more intense, often short-lived enthusiasm, unlike the more gentle and lasting feeling of fondness.

a thing that

Is a very general expression of preference, lacking the emotional warmth associated with fondness.

a hobby that

Specifies that the fondness relates to a leisure activity, narrowing the scope to recreational interests.

a commitment that

Implies a dedication or obligation, shifting the focus from affection to a sense of duty or responsibility.

FAQs

How can I use "a fondness that" in a sentence?

You can use "a fondness that" to describe a gentle affection or liking for something. For example, "She has "a fondness that" makes her collect vintage books."

What are some alternatives to saying "a fondness that"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "an affection that", "a liking that", or "an appreciation for".

Is it appropriate to use "a fondness that" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, using "a fondness that" in formal writing may be less precise than alternatives like "an affinity for" or "a predilection for", which convey a stronger sense of inclination or preference.

How does "a fondness that" differ from "a love that"?

"A fondness that" implies a gentle affection, while "a love that" suggests a much deeper and more intense emotional connection.