a shared fondness

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a shared fondness" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a mutual liking or affection between two or more people or groups. Example: "Their friendship blossomed from a shared fondness for classic literature."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

With Mr. Boehner about to become the speaker of the House, the nation's two most powerful leaders open this new era with little connection other than a shared fondness for golf and a weakness for cigarettes.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

We'd like to say it was one of those romantic comedy moments where we were both gazing at Starry Night and then our eyes locked, but really our friendship began over the shared fondness for a banana with peanut butter every morning for breakfast in the staff cafeteria.

Huffington Post

At one point, Mr. O'Neill gave a lei to Mr. Parsons, in recognition of their shared fondness of Hawaii: Mr. Parsons attended a university there and Mr. O'Neill was chairman and chief executive of the Bank of Hawaii.

The New York Times

Their shared fondness for California pop gloss with experimental underpinnings, from Brian Wilson and psychedelia to Fleetwood Mac, has transformed a straightforward, 1960s-loving, folk-rock and Merseybeat band into one whose songs exult in texture.

The New York Times - Arts

Their shared fondness for petty dispute think Seinfeld and Costanza, but with religious preoccupations eventually takes over their lives: in one instance, they are so caught up in debate they don't realize they're standing on a roof that has caught fire.

The New Yorker

There were things she liked about the husband she would later divorce, though she struggles to name any today, apart from their shared fondness for cats and dogs.

Vice

They met at the B.M.I.-Lehman Engel Musical Theater Workshop in New York in 1998 (when Mr. Marx was still working as a lawyer) and discovered that they shared a fondness for the Muppets -- a belief in their power to speak to otherwise jaded audiences and a disappointment in their recent films.

The New York Times

(Chinen) ★ Jenny Scheinman Trio Featuring Bill Frisell and Brian Blade (Saturday) Jenny Scheinman, a violinist, has a productive relationship with Mr. Frisell, a guitarist; they share a fondness for cosmopolitan rusticity and for an unfussy devotion to melody.

The New York Times - Arts

(Chinen) ★ Jenny Scheinman, Bill Frisell, Brian Blade (Tuesday through Dec. 11) Ms. Scheinman, a violinist, has a productive relationship with Mr. Frisell, a guitarist; they share a fondness for cosmopolitan rusticity and for an unfussy devotion to melody.

The New York Times - Arts

(Chinen) ★ Jenny Scheinman, Bill Frisell, Brian Blade (Friday through Sunday) Ms. Scheinman, a violinist, has a productive relationship with Mr. Frisell, a guitarist; they share a fondness for cosmopolitan rusticity and for an unfussy devotion to melody.

The New York Times - Arts

He maintained a long friendship with Julia Child, with whom he shared a fondness for martinis and McDonald's French fries.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a shared fondness" to subtly indicate a positive connection or common ground between individuals or groups, especially when introducing a less obvious similarity.

Common error

Avoid using "a shared fondness" in overly formal or academic writing where more precise or technical language may be required to describe common interests or affinities.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a shared fondness" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It describes a mutual feeling of affection or liking. Ludwig confirms its proper usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a shared fondness" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase that describes a mutual liking or affection. As verified by Ludwig, it functions primarily as a noun phrase and serves to highlight a connection between individuals based on common interests or feelings. While versatile, it's most frequently found in news and media contexts, and while generally neutral, it should be used judiciously in highly formal or academic settings. Remember to consider related phrases like "mutual affection" or ""common interest"" to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mutual affection

Replaces "fondness" with "affection" emphasizing emotional connection.

common interest

Focuses on shared activities or topics that are enjoyed together.

reciprocal liking

Highlights the mutual nature of the liking between parties.

shared appreciation

Emphasizes a mutual understanding and enjoyment of something.

joint enthusiasm

Replaces "fondness" with a stronger term, "enthusiasm", indicating a high level of excitement.

united by a love of

Highlights a strong emotional connection through a shared passion.

a mutual soft spot for

Indicates a gentle affection for someone or something.

a common penchant for

Suggests a habitual liking or inclination towards something.

a reciprocal enjoyment of

Emphasizes the enjoyment aspect that is mutually experienced.

a like-mindedness toward

Highlights a similarity in thinking or feeling about something.

FAQs

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

You can use "a shared fondness" to describe a mutual liking or affection for something. For instance, "Their friendship blossomed from a shared fondness for classic literature."

What are some alternatives to "a shared fondness"?

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

Is "a shared fondness" formal or informal?

"A shared fondness" is generally considered neutral to slightly informal. It is suitable for general writing and conversation but might be too informal for highly academic or technical contexts.

How does "a shared fondness" differ from "a mutual interest"?

"A shared fondness" implies a warmer, more affectionate feeling, while "a mutual interest" simply suggests a common topic of interest without necessarily implying affection. The alternative "common interest" is more neutral.