be fond of

USAGE SUMMARY

"be fond of" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to describe a feeling of liking or having affection for something or someone. For example, "Rob is very fond of his mother's cooking."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

There is nothing to be fond of.

The Guardian - Arts

Why be fond of a billion-dollar organization?

Princeton University

Hotel operators tend not to be fond of them.

The New Yorker

For the record: I'll always be fond of Tim Burton.

The Guardian - Film

Characters that viewers have come to be fond of are killed off in a single sentence.

The Economist

One even comes to be fond of a bad name, if the product itself is delightful.

The New Yorker

We tend to be fond of people who climb out of a hole".

Independent

Somehow I'd got the sense that she might be fond of Woody Allen movies.

The New Yorker

Asian buyers also tend to be fond of newly built homes, industry watchers say.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

I'm fond of him.

The New York Times - Sports

I'm fond of them.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be fond of" to express a gentle and warm liking, suitable for people, activities, or objects. It is less intense than "love" but stronger than "like".

Common error

While "be fond of" is generally acceptable, avoid overusing it in highly formal writing. Opt for more precise vocabulary to convey specific emotions or preferences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be fond of" functions as a stative verb phrase, indicating a state of liking or affection. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use in written English, as demonstrated by numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Wiki

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Science

2%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be fond of" is a versatile and grammatically correct way to express a gentle liking or affection for someone or something. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples of its usage across various contexts. While it is most commonly found in news and media, it can also be used in more informal settings. Remember to use "be fond of" to convey a sense of warmth and appreciation, and consider alternatives like "have affection for" or "enjoy" to vary your language. Be mindful of overusing it in highly formal writing, and always use the preposition "of" correctly.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have affection for

This alternative uses a more formal tone and emphasizes the emotional connection.

enjoy

This is a simpler, more direct way to express liking something.

take pleasure in

Emphasizes the enjoyment derived from something.

be keen on

This alternative suggests enthusiasm or strong interest.

be partial to

Indicates a preference for something over other things.

be attached to

Suggests an emotional bond or connection.

be delighted by

Highlights the joy or happiness caused by something.

be appreciative of

Expresses gratitude or recognition of value.

be a fan of

A more informal way of saying you like something, often used for entertainment or hobbies.

have a liking for

A slightly more descriptive and versatile alternative.

FAQs

How can I use "be fond of" in a sentence?

You can use "be fond of" to express a gentle liking or affection. For example, "She is fond of classical music" or "They are fond of their grandchildren".

What can I say instead of "be fond of"?

You can use alternatives like "have affection for", "enjoy", or "take pleasure in" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "be fond of" or "be fond to"?

"Be fond of" is the correct phrase. "Fond" requires the preposition "of" to connect it to the object of affection. Using "to" is grammatically incorrect.

What's the difference between "be fond of" and "like"?

"Be fond of" suggests a warmer, more affectionate feeling than simply "like". While "like" indicates a general preference, "be fond of" implies a deeper connection or appreciation.