a weakness for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a weakness for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a strong liking or fondness for something, often implying a lack of resistance to it. Example: "She has a weakness for chocolate, often indulging in it despite her diet."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Travel

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

That Josh has a weakness for bedazzling.

The New York Times

He has a weakness for puns.

The New York Times

Balmond has a weakness for dreamy jargon.

The New Yorker

We have a weakness for faux celebrities.

The New York Times

It is a weakness for our sport.

The New York Times - Sports

But she admits a weakness for jewelry.

The New York Times

He has a weakness for seating.

The New York Times

I have a weakness for drawing New Yorkers.

The New Yorker

"I have a weakness for this stuff".

The New York Times - Travel

I have a weakness for hooch.

The Guardian - Opinion

He developed a weakness for watches.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a weakness for", ensure that the object of the weakness is clearly defined and relevant to the context. This adds clarity and impact to your writing.

Common error

While "a weakness for" is generally acceptable, overuse in formal or academic writing can make your tone seem less serious. Opt for more formal alternatives like "a predilection for" or "an inclination toward" in such settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a weakness for" functions as a noun phrase that indicates a particular fondness, inclination, or susceptibility towards something. Ludwig AI confirms its proper grammatical usage in numerous contexts, as demonstrated by the provided examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

25%

Travel

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a weakness for" is a versatile phrase used to express a fondness or susceptibility towards something. As validated by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used, particularly in news and media. While its register is generally neutral, more formal alternatives may be preferred in certain professional or academic contexts. When using the phrase, ensure that the object of your "weakness" is clear and relevant to enhance the impact of your writing. By understanding these nuances, you can effectively use "a weakness for" to add depth and personality to your expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a fondness for

Indicates a liking or affection, similar to a weakness, but generally less intense.

a soft spot for

Implies a tender or affectionate feeling, often suggesting a particular vulnerability or liking.

a penchant for

Suggests a strong inclination or habitual liking, often for something specific.

an inclination toward

Indicates a natural tendency or leaning towards something, similar to a weakness but less compelling.

a susceptibility to

Highlights a vulnerability or tendency to be affected by something, often negative.

a predilection for

Implies a preference or special liking, similar to a penchant but perhaps more refined.

a vulnerability to

Focuses on the aspect of being easily affected or influenced by something.

a helpless love for

Emphasizes the inability to resist the feeling of love or strong liking towards something.

a proclivity for

Indicates a natural or habitual inclination or tendency, often towards something specific.

a disposition towards

Suggests a natural attitude or mood regarding something, indicating a tendency to react in a certain way.

FAQs

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

You can use "a weakness for" to describe a fondness or inability to resist something. For example, "She has "a weakness for" chocolate" or "He developed "a weakness for" vintage cars after his retirement".

What are some alternatives to saying "I have a weakness for"?

Instead of "I have "a weakness for"", you can use phrases like "I'm fond of", "I have "a soft spot for"", or "I'm susceptible to depending on the context".

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

While generally acceptable, using "a weakness for" in formal writing might be perceived as too informal. Consider more sophisticated alternatives like "a predilection for" or "an inclination toward" to maintain a professional tone.

What's the difference between "a fondness for" and "a weakness for"?

"A fondness for" implies a general liking or affection, while "a weakness for" suggests a stronger, almost irresistible inclination. For example, you might have "a fondness for" classical music but "a weakness for" decadent desserts.