affection for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "affection for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a feeling of fondness or tenderness toward someone or something. For example, "She had a deep affection for her grandmother."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

His affection for Shostakovich was symbiotic.

The Economist

Felicella has affection for the seventies branches.

The New Yorker

Describes his affection for elaborate games.

The New Yorker

She has a particular affection for puns.

The New Yorker

They had some affection for me.

The New Yorker

They also share an affection for marijuana.

The New York Times - Magazine

"Is there personal affection for him?

The New York Times

He shows an affection for British ways.

The New Yorker

Hence the team's affection for sous vide.

The New Yorker

Mr Saïd's affection for Thatcher has endured.

The Economist

His affection for Leicester has also grown.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "affection for" to express a deep, tender feeling towards people, places, or things. It conveys a warmth and fondness that goes beyond simple liking.

Common error

While "affection for" is generally acceptable, avoid overusing it in highly formal or business writing. In such contexts, consider more neutral alternatives like "regard for" or "respect for" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "affection for" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as an object of a verb or preposition. It expresses a feeling of fondness or tenderness towards someone or something. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is a correct and usable expression in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

84%

Academia

14%

Science

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "affection for" is a grammatically sound and versatile phrase used to express fondness or tenderness. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable expression in English. While "affection for" is most common in News & Media and Academia contexts, it’s vital to consider the tone, adjusting for overly formal settings by considering alternatives like "regard for" or "respect for". Remember, "affection" suggests a warm fondness, making it distinct from the stronger emotion of "love".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fondness for

Emphasizes a gentle and warm feeling, slightly less intense than "affection".

love for

Conveys a stronger and deeper emotional connection than "affection".

liking for

Suggests a more casual and less profound positive feeling.

penchant for

Indicates a strong inclination or taste, often used for activities or objects.

tenderness for

Highlights the gentle and caring aspect of the feeling.

warmth for

Focuses on the positive and comforting nature of the emotion.

regard for

Implies respect and admiration, in addition to fondness.

admiration for

Highlights the positive evaluation and respect held for someone or something.

devotion to

Indicates a strong commitment and loyalty, often used in a more serious context.

partiality to

Suggests a preference or bias towards something or someone.

FAQs

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

You can use "affection for" to describe a feeling of fondness or tenderness toward someone or something. For instance, "She had a deep affection for her grandmother" or "He developed an affection for the small town after living there for many years."

What are some alternatives to saying "affection for"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "fondness for", "love for", "liking for", or "penchant for".

Is "affection for" formal or informal?

"Affection for" is generally considered neutral in tone, suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in very formal or business writing, more neutral alternatives like "regard for" or "respect for" might be more appropriate.

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

"Love for" generally conveys a stronger and deeper emotional connection than "affection for". "Affection" implies a warm fondness, while "love" suggests a more intense and committed feeling.