affection

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "affection" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express fondness or love towards someone or something. Example: "She showed her affection for her friend by giving her a thoughtful gift."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Such is the affection for Stuart Pearce in these parts, the opprobrium of the Nottingham Forest supporters on the final whistle was muted and delivered as much in sorrow as in anger, but their patience with the manager must be wearing thin.

The Guardian - Sport

When he came to give a talk at the college, the room was packed with business students of many nationalities who lapped up his observations on design and branding and bathed him in admiration and affection.

The Guardian

A failed lover, unable to provoke affection even in my own wife.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It was the kind of cheap, tacky place I had always hated, but now found myself frequenting with a resignation that bordered on affection.

The Guardian - Opinion

She tied people to her with genuine bonds of affection because she appeared in the frontline when life was tough and inspired her troops.

The Guardian

He left a legacy of affection and respect for what he was as a man, and what he achieved as a statesman".

The Guardian

Last summer he co-wrote a diary of the World Cup, a correspondence with the writer Fredrik Ekelund, in which he muses on his affection for the cynical approach of Argentina – for a long time, "Argentina" was the planned title of My Struggle.

The Guardian - Books

I gather you and he bonded over a shared affection for Yorkshire terriers?

The Guardian - Film

With Alan Beith, his deputy and defeated leadership rival in 1988, leading a chorus of 'understanding, regret and affection,' Mr Ashdown said: 'I love this job, it's what my life has been about.

The Guardian

His view represented a higher patriotism: a loyalty and affection that, rather than ignoring blemishes, accepts that removing them is the obligation of affection.

The Guardian - Opinion

"It would have been cheaper to start building from scratch," says Roland Henkel, general manager of the Machrihanish Dunes project, "but we have talked to a lot of people in the community and found there was such affection and nostalgia for these old buildings that we wanted to keep a valuable aspect of the area's history".

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "affection" to express a gentle and warm fondness, distinguishing it from more intense emotions like love or passion. Consider the context to ensure it accurately reflects the intended degree of emotional connection.

Common error

Avoid using "affection" when a stronger term like "love" or "passion" is more appropriate. "Affection" implies a gentle fondness, not an intense emotional connection. Understand the nuance to make a more accurate choice.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "affection" is as a noun, denoting a feeling of fondness or love. Ludwig's examples showcase its use in expressing bonds between people, places, or ideas. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in a variety of contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "affection" is a commonly used noun that correctly expresses feelings of fondness and love, as affirmed by Ludwig. Predominantly found in News & Media, it maintains a neutral tone appropriate for various contexts. For expressing similar sentiments, consider alternatives such as "fondness" or "tenderness". Ludwig's analysis confirms its versatility and grammatical correctness, while also highlighting the importance of choosing it over words like "love" when indicating a gentle emotion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fondness

Implies a warm, tender feeling, often less intense than love.

tenderness

Suggests a gentle and caring attitude, emphasizing empathy.

warmth

Conveys a sense of emotional heat and friendliness.

devotion

Implies a deep commitment and loyalty, often associated with strong admiration.

love

Represents a strong emotional bond, encompassing care, respect, and attachment.

adoration

Suggests profound admiration and high regard, bordering on worship.

attachment

Indicates a strong emotional connection or bond.

regard

Implies respect and consideration for someone or something.

partiality

Suggests a favorable bias or inclination towards someone or something.

kindness

Focuses on the act of being generous and considerate in actions or words.

FAQs

How can I use "affection" in a sentence?

"Affection" is generally used as a noun to express fondness or love. For example, "She showed her "affection" by sending a thoughtful gift."

What are some synonyms for "affection"?

Alternatives to "affection" include "fondness", "tenderness", or "warmth". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "have affection for" or "have an affection for"?

Both "have affection for" and "have an affection for" are grammatically correct, but "have affection for" is more common. The inclusion of "an" emphasizes the feeling, but isn't always necessary.

What's the difference between "affection" and "love"?

"Affection" implies a gentle or warm fondness, while "love" signifies a much stronger emotional bond. "Love" encompasses a deeper commitment, care, and attachment compared to affection.