a mutual liking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a mutual liking" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where two or more people have a shared fondness or affection for each other. Example: "Their relationship blossomed from a mutual liking for each other's sense of humor."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

A mutual liking developed, which grew into trust.

The New York Times

They had met through university friends and the spark had been immediate: locked eyes across a dinner table; a shared interest in the same Netflix box sets and a mutual liking for the music of Father John Misty.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I sailed through one course after we bonded over a mutual liking of The National, back when being into that band was cool and not what dads put on their record players to escape their family.

Vice

Participants were told that a positive answer to this question would mean that their contact details would be passed on to dates who indicated a mutual liking.

European Journal of Personality

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Like Tinder, it matches potential suitors by location and relies on Facebook for profile information; however, you don't have to wait for a mutual like to contact.

The Guardian - Tech

If you get a mutual "like," you're instantly connected to your match via text message (without the other person seeing your real phone number).

The New Yorker

"This product bearing their name is so out of kilter with all the other products I have with them … I was very surprised a mutual like Nationwide would do this," he says.

The Guardian - Money

People are naturally attracted to individuals who make them feel good about themselves, and a mutual "like" lets each party know that the other considers them attractive and approachable.

TechCrunch

For the past three years, the only way a user could find out if their fellow Tinderers liked them back was in the form of a mutual like — only if users both swiped right on each other were they alerted that the feeling was mutual.

TechCrunch

A middle-aged German woman and an American soldier, who is quartered in what was once her house, form a peculiar friendship through their mutual liking for music.

The New Yorker

It is a mutual follow like Facebook, not a one-way follow like Google+ (Although it otherwise shares a similar Circles concept).

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a mutual liking" to describe the initial stages of a relationship where a gentle fondness is developing between individuals. It's suitable for portraying subtle, positive feelings.

Common error

Avoid using "a mutual liking" when the relationship involves deeper emotions such as love or strong friendship. It's best suited for describing initial or less intense feelings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a mutual liking" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a shared feeling of fondness or affection between two or more parties. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in describing shared positive feelings.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a mutual liking" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a shared positive feeling between individuals. Ludwig AI validates its usability, while examples show it often appears in the context of relationship development and friendship. Though its usage is relatively rare, it serves as a clear and concise way to express initial or gentle fondness. When stronger emotions are involved, alternative phrases such as "shared affection" or "reciprocal admiration" may be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a shared fondness

Focuses on a gentle, affectionate feeling that is reciprocated.

a reciprocal affection

Emphasizes the two-way nature of the emotional connection.

a shared appreciation

Implies a recognition and enjoyment of similar qualities or things.

a common interest

Highlights shared activities or subjects that create a connection.

a shared enthusiasm

Focuses on a common excitement or passion for something.

a rapport

Suggests a harmonious and understanding relationship.

a positive connection

Emphasizes the good and beneficial aspects of the relationship.

a connection

Indicates a basic link or bond between individuals.

a compatible nature

Suggests an inherent ease and agreement in temperament.

a kindred spirit

Highlights a deep, soul-level understanding and resonance.

FAQs

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

You can use "a mutual liking" to describe the beginning of a friendly or romantic relationship. For example, "Their friendship grew from "a mutual liking" for each other's sense of humor".

What are some alternatives to "a mutual liking"?

Alternatives include "shared fondness", "reciprocal affection", or "common interest", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a mutual liking" appropriate for describing business relationships?

While possible, it's more commonly used to describe personal relationships. In business contexts, phrases like "rapport" or "positive working relationship" may be more suitable.

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

"A mutual liking" suggests a more gentle, nascent positive feeling, while "a mutual love" implies a much deeper and stronger emotional connection. The former is less intense than the latter.