an aversion to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an aversion to" is correct and can be used in written English.
It can be used to indicate an intense dislike of or opposition to something. For example, "He had an aversion to going to parties."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Doctors also have an aversion to reporting.

The New York Times

Cromer, however, has an aversion to pretension.

The New Yorker

I have an aversion to that door.

The New York Times

"I have an aversion to Sarah Mitchum.

The New Yorker

I have an aversion to anything doggy.

The New York Times - Magazine

Some people have an aversion to killing anything, and some people have an aversion to guns.

The New York Times

And do have an aversion to any colours in food?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I've always had an aversion to misery memoirs.

The Guardian - Books

Why do chefs have such an aversion to garlic presses?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He seems to have an aversion to democracies.

The Guardian - Opinion

But he has also developed an aversion to U-turns.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an aversion to" to express a strong dislike or unwillingness. For formal writing, consider "antipathy toward" or "resistance to" for a more nuanced tone.

Common error

Avoid using "an aversion to" when a milder term like "dislike" or "lack of interest" would be more appropriate. Overstating the aversion can weaken your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an aversion to" functions as a noun phrase that expresses a strong feeling of dislike or repugnance towards something. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. The examples demonstrate its use in various contexts to indicate a strong disinclination.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

21%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Academic

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an aversion to" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to express a strong dislike or unwillingness towards something. According to Ludwig AI, its usage is well-supported by examples across various contexts, particularly in news and media and scientific publications. While synonyms like "dislike for" and "antipathy toward" exist, "an aversion to" conveys a notable intensity. When using this phrase, ensure the strength of the aversion matches the context, and consider more nuanced alternatives for formal writing. The prevalence of "an aversion to" across diverse sources underscores its widespread acceptance and applicability in expressing negative feelings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an abhorrence of

Implies a strong feeling of hatred and aversion.

an antipathy toward

Suggests a deep-seated feeling of aversion, often instinctive.

a resistance to

Highlights opposition or unwillingness to accept something.

a disinclination towards

Indicates a lack of enthusiasm or willingness, which is a milder form of aversion.

an opposition to

Focuses on actively disagreeing with or resisting something.

a distaste for

Implies a mild aversion, often related to sensory experiences.

a dislike for

A general term for not liking something, less intense than aversion.

a revulsion from

Indicates a strong feeling of disgust and rejection.

a loathing of

Conveys a strong feeling of disgust and aversion.

a dread of

Expresses fear and aversion towards something anticipated.

FAQs

How to use "an aversion to" in a sentence?

Use "an aversion to" when describing a strong dislike or unwillingness towards something. For example, "He has "an aversion to public speaking"".

What's the difference between "an aversion to" and "a dislike for"?

"An aversion to" implies a stronger, more intense feeling of dislike than "a dislike for". Use "an aversion to" when the feeling is particularly strong or causes avoidance. A simple "dislike for" is milder.

What are some synonyms for "an aversion to"?

Some synonyms include "antipathy toward", "disinclination towards", "resistance to", or "distaste for" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "have an aversion for" instead of "have an aversion to"?

While understandable, "have an aversion to" is the idiomatic and grammatically correct form. Using "have an aversion for" is less common and may sound awkward to native English speakers.