a soft corner for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a soft corner for" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express a fondness or affection for someone or something, often implying a sense of sympathy or leniency. Example: "Despite his tough exterior, he has a soft corner for stray animals and often brings them home."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

As it is Muslims have a soft corner for the word "madrasa".

The New York Times

Sampath, who "had always had a soft corner for the lady on the label of the coconut-hair-oil bottle," is nonplussed.

The New Yorker

While I might have a "soft spot" for the actor Irrfan Khan, for instance, a speaker of Indian English might have a "soft corner" for him.

The Guardian

"Most people have a soft corner for Congress because of its history...

Los Angeles Times

Shankara, while "not a Shakta in the sectarian sense, had a soft corner for Shakta religion, perhaps due to its popularity among the masses".

Wikipedia

His presence there caused much anxiety and tension between Islamabad and former Afghan President Hamid Karazi, who is reported to have had a soft corner for the Baloch people because Karazi had himself taken refuge in Balochistan when the Taliban ruled Afghanistan before 9/11.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

"He left many commanders behind if they had a soft corner (of their heart) for the government".

Independent

"To get our top rating, every classroom has to have a soft corner," she said.

Huffington Post

The Nt Mini has a soft, rounded corner.

Forbes

A combination of spray, anchors, anchor bolts, and soft corner coupled truss supports allowed the deformation to be controlled.

International Journal of Mining Science and Technology

We may spend our dollars at Walmart and IKEA, but in our hearts we have a soft spot for the corner store.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a soft corner for" when you want to express a liking or affection, often tinged with a sense of understanding or leniency towards someone or something.

Common error

Avoid using "a soft corner for" in highly formal or professional writing where a more neutral or objective tone is required. Instead, opt for phrases like "a preference for" or "a favorable view of" to maintain the appropriate level of formality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a soft corner for" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically used as part of a larger sentence structure to indicate a feeling of fondness or leniency towards someone or something. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

31%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Academia

6%

Encyclopedias

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a soft corner for" is a prepositional phrase used to express a feeling of fondness or leniency toward someone or something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While it is most commonly found in news and media and scientific contexts, it is less frequent in formal academic or business writing. When using this phrase, be mindful of the context and consider alternatives like "a fondness for" or "a special affection for" in more formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a soft spot for

Indicates a particular liking or vulnerability towards someone or something. Slight variation in intensity.

a fondness for

Emphasizes a general liking or affection, lacking the implication of leniency.

a special affection for

Highlights a particular warmth and tenderness in one's feelings.

a warm spot for

Conveys a feeling of comfort and positive regard.

a tenderness toward

Highlights a gentle and caring attitude.

a liking for

A general term for enjoying or being pleased by something or someone.

a partiality toward

Suggests a bias or preference, often without strong emotional attachment.

an inclination toward

Implies a tendency or leaning, less emotionally charged.

a favorable view of

Presents a positive but less emotional perspective.

a bias in favor of

Implies a leaning or preference, often perceived as unfair.

FAQs

What does it mean to have "a soft corner for" someone?

Having "a soft corner for" someone means you have a special fondness or affection for them, often implying a willingness to be lenient or understanding towards them. It suggests a tender or sympathetic feeling.

What can I say instead of "a soft corner for"?

You can use alternatives like "a fondness for", "a soft spot for", or "a special affection for" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a soft corner for" in formal writing?

While "a soft corner for" is generally acceptable, it may be more suitable for informal or conversational contexts. In formal writing, consider using more neutral alternatives like "a preference for" or "a favorable view of".

How does "a soft corner for" differ from "a soft spot for"?

The phrases "a soft corner for" and "a soft spot for" are very similar in meaning and are often interchangeable. However, "a soft corner for" might subtly imply a slightly deeper sense of understanding or empathy.