a great affection for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a great affection for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing strong feelings of love or fondness towards someone or something. Example: "She has a great affection for her hometown, often reminiscing about her childhood there."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

I have a great affection for her.

The Guardian - Film

I have a great affection for Edinburgh.

The Guardian

So I have a great affection for Antigua.

The New York Times

I have a great affection for the brand".

Independent

She had a great affection for him for many years.

The New Yorker

More surprising, he has a great affection for Jacques Henri Lartigue's graceful and spirited photography.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

Mr. Bloomberg has also shown a greater affection for executive orders than most of his predecessors.

The New York Times

As the subject of celebrity interviews yourself, have you developed a greater affection for those weary junketeers?

The New York Times - Magazine

If this engenders a greater affection for the world, then the payoff may be, after all, more concern for our planetary ecology.

The New York Times - Arts

Mr. Bush does not come here all that often and expresses a greater affection for the sweltering plains around Crawford, which has fewer tees, is less twee and better bolsters his presentation of himself as an earthy, unpretentious guy.

The New York Times

That lack of diners has me suspecting that Upper West Siders might have a greater affection for reading about the mythological scarcity of restaurants on the Upper West Side than they do for patronizing restaurants that prove how untrue that is.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a great affection for" to express a deep and enduring fondness for people, places, or things. This phrase adds warmth and sincerity to your writing.

Common error

While versatile, relying too heavily on "a great affection for" in formal documents can make your writing sound sentimental. In those cases, use more neutral alternatives like "a strong appreciation for" or "a deep respect for" to maintain professionalism.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a great affection for" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically following a verb (e.g., have, develop) to express a strong feeling of fondness or love towards a person, place, or thing. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through various examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Encyclopedias

27%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Science

6%

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a great affection for" is a commonly used phrase to express a strong feeling of fondness or love. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, particularly news and media, encyclopedias, and general writing. While versatile, it's important to consider the formality of your writing and opt for more neutral alternatives in highly formal settings. Consider alternative phrases, like "a deep fondness for" or "a warm appreciation of", to fine-tune the emotional tone and maintain professionalism. The phrase is generally well-regarded and widely understood, making it a reliable choice for conveying positive emotions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a deep fondness for

Emphasizes the depth of the fondness.

a great love for

Substitutes "affection" with "love", suggesting a stronger emotional connection.

a strong liking for

Replaces "affection" with "liking", indicating a less intense emotion.

a warm appreciation of

Highlights a positive evaluation and enjoyment, softening the emotional tone.

a great admiration for

Highlights the act of looking up to and valuing highly.

a real passion for

Conveys a fervent enthusiasm, shifting the focus to active interest.

a special attachment to

Focuses on the bond or connection, implying a unique relationship.

a soft spot for

Implies a tender and gentle fondness, often for something unexpected.

a marked preference for

Indicates a clear choice or favor, moving away from emotional connection.

a deep respect for

Shifts the focus from emotion to admiration and esteem.

FAQs

How can I use "a great affection for" in a sentence?

You can use "a great affection for" to express a strong feeling of fondness or love towards someone or something. For example, "She has a great affection for her grandmother" or "He developed a great affection for the city after living there for many years".

What are some alternatives to "a great affection for"?

Some alternatives include "a deep fondness for", "a strong liking for", "a great love for", or "a warm appreciation of", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

While generally acceptable, "a great affection for" might sound too sentimental for very formal contexts. Consider using alternatives like "a deep respect for" or "a strong appreciation for" to maintain a more professional tone.

What's the difference between "a great affection for" and "a great passion for"?

"A great affection for" suggests a warm, enduring fondness, while "a great passion for" implies a fervent enthusiasm and active interest. Affection is more passive and relates to fondness, whereas passion involves intense excitement and drive.