an affinity for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an affinity for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a natural liking or attraction to something. Example: "She has an affinity for classical music, often attending concerts and recitals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

An arena that Apple has always had an affinity for.

TechCrunch

He has an affinity for calculated risk.

The New Yorker

And an affinity for bargain hunting?

The New York Times

He had an affinity for angels.

The New Yorker

I have an affinity for them".

The Guardian - Film

I have an affinity for westerns.

The Guardian

Allred has an affinity for props.

The New Yorker

Adaptability and an affinity for learning.

Stanford University

And the Democrats have an affinity for centrist Southerners.

The New York Times

Swift has an affinity for codes and symbols.

The New Yorker

We seem to have an affinity for water.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, consider if "an affinity for" accurately conveys the depth of connection you wish to express. Simpler phrases like "a liking for" might suffice for casual preferences, while "a passion for" could better suit stronger interests.

Common error

Avoid using "an affinity for" when describing superficial interests. Ensure the context suggests a genuine, inherent connection rather than a fleeting like. For example, saying "He has an affinity for reality TV" might be an overstatement unless he's deeply engaged with its production or history.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an affinity for" functions as a noun phrase that introduces a specific liking or inclination towards something. It's commonly used to express a natural connection or preference, as shown by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Academia

15%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Science

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "an affinity for" is a versatile and widely used expression to convey a natural liking or connection towards something. Ludwig AI analysis confirms it is grammatically correct and commonly used, especially in News & Media and Academic contexts. When using the phrase, ensure it aligns with the depth of connection you intend to express. Alternatives such as "a fondness for" or "a liking for" can be used for lighter connections, while "a passion for" can represent a stronger emotional bond. According to Ludwig, it's crucial to avoid overstating the connection with superficial interests.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a fondness for

Replaces "affinity" with "fondness", suggesting a warm affection.

a liking for

Substitutes "affinity" with "liking", indicating a general preference.

a preference for

Replaces "affinity" with "preference", highlighting a choice or favor.

an inclination toward

Uses "inclination" to suggest a natural tendency or leaning.

a proclivity for

Substitutes "affinity" with "proclivity", indicating a natural tendency.

a bent for

Replaces "affinity" with "bent", suggesting a natural skill or interest.

a taste for

Indicates a liking or enjoyment of something.

a passion for

Implies a strong enthusiasm or love for something.

an attraction to

Uses "attraction" to suggest being drawn towards something.

a soft spot for

Suggests a particular fondness or affection.

FAQs

What does it mean to have "an affinity for" something?

Having "an affinity for" something means you have a natural liking, attraction, or sense of connection to it. It suggests a deeper, more inherent appreciation than just a casual interest.

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

You can use alternatives like "a fondness for", "a liking for", or "a preference for" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "affinity to" or "affinity for"?

"Affinity for" is the correct and more commonly used preposition. "Affinity to" is less frequent and may sound awkward to native English speakers.

How do I use "an affinity for" in a sentence?

You can use "an affinity for" to describe someone's inherent liking or connection to something. For example, "She has an affinity for classical music" or "He developed an affinity for the sea early on".