an affinity between

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an affinity between" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a natural liking or attraction between two or more entities, such as people, ideas, or concepts. Example: "There is an affinity between classical music and modern jazz that many musicians explore in their compositions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"There's an affinity between the materials," Mr. Lincoln said.

The New York Times - Arts

So why such an affinity between composers and artists?

The New York Times - Arts

But there was an affinity between the two from their Yale days.

The New York Times

He felt an affinity between the Catalan city and Detroit, both places where common ideals could be crushed.

The Guardian - Books

It makes sense that there should be an affinity between bridge and the business of Wall Street.

The New Yorker

I wasn't surprised to find that there was an affinity between Muldoon and the world of the pop lyric.

The Guardian - Music

There is an affinity between Slimane and Philo in their modernist vision and cultured approach to design.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

There is an affinity between our initiative and the New Generation Network, which was launched in the Guardian last November.

The Guardian

This advisor is not selected because of an affinity between their research and the interests of the student.

Columbia University

Panchèvre has made a point of introducing features that she hopes will encourage an affinity between animals and people, particularly children.

The Guardian

I've heard that you, Jane, see an affinity between the new wave of Japanese horror films and The Woman in Black?

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an affinity between", ensure that the entities being compared share genuine, observable similarities. Overstating the connection can weaken your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "an affinity between" when describing purely coincidental or superficial resemblances. The phrase implies a deeper, more intrinsic connection than mere surface similarities.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an affinity between" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It indicates a perceived relationship of likeness or attraction. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is generally considered correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an affinity between" is a versatile noun phrase used to describe a natural connection or liking between two or more entities. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely accepted. With a neutral register, it appears across various domains, including News & Media, Science, and Academia. To enhance clarity, consider alternative expressions like "a connection between" or "a link between", while ensuring a genuine connection exists. It's crucial to avoid using it for superficial resemblances. The most authoritative sources using this phrase are The New York Times, The Guardian, The New Yorker, The Economist and BBC.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a connection between

Emphasizes a link or relationship, less focused on inherent liking.

a link between

Highlights a direct relationship or causal association.

a relationship between

Focuses on the general association without implying attraction.

a similarity between

Stresses comparable aspects rather than a natural liking.

a correspondence between

Suggests a parallel or analogous relationship.

a resonance between

Implies a deeper, emotional connection or shared quality.

an association between

Indicates a connection or link, often without implying inherent likeness.

a bond between

Highlights a strong, emotional connection or tie.

a kinship between

Suggests a shared origin, nature, or feeling of connection.

a sympathy between

Conveys a shared feeling or understanding.

FAQs

How to use "an affinity between" in a sentence?

Use "an affinity between" to describe a natural liking or connection between two or more things. For example: "There is "an affinity between" jazz and blues music."

What can I say instead of "an affinity between"?

You can use alternatives like "a connection between", "a link between", or "a relationship between" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "an affinity of" instead of "an affinity between"?

While "affinity of" can sometimes be used to describe a natural liking for something, "an affinity between" is more appropriate when comparing two distinct entities or concepts.

What's the difference between "an affinity between" and "a similarity between"?

"An affinity between" suggests a mutual attraction or inherent connection, while "a similarity between" simply indicates that two things share common characteristics without implying a preference or attraction.