a liking for

USAGE SUMMARY

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

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I have a liking for lobsters.

The New Yorker

Crooks have also had a liking for them.

The Economist

But I have had a liking for Gormley's work.

The Guardian - Arts

He had a liking for the humorous aside.

The Guardian

Rosebery had a liking for personable private secretaries.

The Guardian - Books

Trigorin is also turned into a bisexual, with a liking for night swims with boys.

The New York Times

"I had grown almost a liking for the face," he told me, referring to Janis's reconstruction.

The New Yorker

Mr. Tsuga, 55, who has a liking for muscular cars, preaches survival through tough love.

The New York Times - Tech

The Natha yogis share with similar esoteric sects a liking for paradox and enigmatic verse.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In one sketch, Mary Whitehouse reveals a liking for gay porn.

Independent

Galtieri, an impulsive man with a liking for Scotch, acknowledged the cheers.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a liking for" to express a general preference or enjoyment. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Don't use "a liking for" when a stronger emotion, such as "love", "passion", or "obsession", is more accurate. "A liking for" suggests a mild preference, not an intense feeling.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a liking for" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically modifying a noun or verb. It indicates a preference, fondness, or mild enjoyment of something. Ludwig AI confirms the grammatical correctness and wide applicability of the phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a liking for" is a grammatically sound and versatile phrase used to express a preference or mild enjoyment. As affirmed by Ludwig AI, it is suitable for various contexts, ranging from news articles to personal expressions. While interchangeable with alternatives like "a fondness for" or "a preference for", it's crucial to avoid using it when a stronger emotion is more accurate. The phrase's frequent appearance in reputable sources such as The Guardian and The New York Times underscores its widespread acceptance and utility in both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a fondness for

Replaces "liking" with "fondness", suggesting a warmer, more affectionate preference.

a preference for

Replaces "liking" with "preference", indicating a choice based on favor rather than affection.

an inclination toward

Uses "inclination" to suggest a natural tendency or leaning towards something.

a taste for

Employs "taste" to imply a refined or cultivated appreciation.

an appreciation of

Focuses on the positive evaluation or enjoyment of something.

a soft spot for

Indicates a particular fondness or tenderness for something.

a partiality to

Suggests a bias or favoritism towards something.

an affinity for

Highlights a natural connection or sense of kinship with something.

a leaning towards

Similar to inclination, indicating a tendency or direction of interest.

an enjoyment of

Simply expresses pleasure or satisfaction derived from something.

FAQs

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

You can use "a liking for" to express a general preference or mild enjoyment. For example, "She has a liking for classical music" or "He developed a liking for spicy food".

What's the difference between "a liking for" and "a love for"?

"A liking for" suggests a mild preference or enjoyment, while "a love for" indicates a much stronger, more intense emotion.

What are some alternatives to "a liking for"?

Alternatives include "a fondness for", "a preference for", "an inclination toward", or "a taste for", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a liking for" formal or informal?

"A liking for" is appropriate for both formal and informal contexts. It's a versatile phrase that can be used in a variety of writing situations.