be very fond of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be very fond of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express a strong liking or affection for someone or something. Example: "She is very fond of her grandmother and visits her every weekend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

I used to be very fond of playing at Hocky on the ice in skates".

Independent

"I certainly knew the Latin Americans weren't going to be very fond of me.

The New York Times

You have to be very fond of them to love them.

The New Yorker

I have to say, I grew to be very fond of that [doll].

The Guardian - Film

Here are the last few lines of a section on men: "You have to be very fond of men.

The New Yorker

But the Brewers, who are seeking a replacement for Ken Macha, are said to be very fond of Valentine, and they have begun to ask associates about him.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

We're very fond of Howard".

The New York Times

Kangxi was very fond of learning.

Encyclopedia Britannica

I am very fond of my teacher.

The New Yorker

I'm very fond of battles.

The New York Times

"I'm very fond of it.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "be very fond of" to describe a strong liking or affection for someone or something that has developed over time. It implies a deeper connection than a simple preference.

Common error

Avoid using "be very fond of" when a more casual expression of liking is sufficient. Overusing it can diminish its impact and make your writing sound insincere.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be very fond of" functions as a predicate adjective, describing the subject's state of liking or affection. It modifies the subject by expressing a strong level of fondness, as seen in Ludwig's examples, like 'Eugenie was said to be very fond of Elena'. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be very fond of" is a versatile phrase used to express a strong liking or affection. Ludwig's analysis confirms that it's grammatically correct and commonly used, especially in news, media, and scientific contexts. Remember to use it when you want to express a strong liking or affection, and it's more suitable than "love" for less intense feelings. To express similar feelings you can use "have a great liking for" or "adore greatly".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have a great liking for

This alternative uses more formal language and emphasizes the act of liking.

have a soft spot for

This suggests a particular affection despite potential flaws.

be extremely attached to

This implies a deeper emotional connection and dependence.

adore greatly

This expresses a very high level of admiration and affection.

be deeply devoted to

This suggests a strong sense of loyalty and dedication.

cherish greatly

This emphasizes the value and importance placed on the object of affection.

hold dear

This implies a sense of personal value and emotional significance.

be sweet on

This is an informal and somewhat old-fashioned way to express affection, often used in a romantic context.

think highly of

This suggests respect and admiration, but not necessarily deep affection.

relish greatly

This emphasizes the enjoyment and pleasure derived from something.

FAQs

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

You can use "be very fond of" to express a strong liking or affection for someone or something. For example, "She is very fond of her grandmother", or "He is very fond of classical music".

What are some alternatives to "be very fond of"?

You can use alternatives like "have a great liking for", "be extremely attached to", or "adore greatly" depending on the context.

Is it more appropriate to say "be very fond of" or "love"?

"Be very fond of" indicates a strong liking or affection, while "love" expresses a deeper, more intense emotion. The choice depends on the context and the strength of the feeling you want to convey.

What is the difference between "be fond of" and "be very fond of"?

The addition of "very" intensifies the degree of liking or affection. "Be fond of" suggests a general liking, while "be very fond of" emphasizes a stronger, more significant attachment.