common fondness for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "common fondness for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a shared liking or affection for something among a group of people. Example: "The team members bonded over their common fondness for classic rock music during their breaks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

At their first meeting, Mr. Sheff and Mr. Agnello bonded over their common fondness for '60s bands like the Kinks, and quickly agreed on the approach they would take.

The New York Times - Arts

When Obama distilled this narrowing sliver of America to a common fondness for "guns and religion," he was drawing on a long tradition of élites isolating poor and working-class white people as a containable threat.

The New Yorker

A common fondness for honey bees goes all the way back to the Stone Age, according to a vast survey of ancient artifacts.

Science Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

They had a mutual fondness for each other's music.

Wikipedia

Perhaps the common fondness we hold for this machine is lodged in our subconscious from that thrilling moment when we first find our balance on two wheels?

Huffington Post

The Martins and the Coburns have in common a fondness for California Chrome, but otherwise have very different personalities and backgrounds.

Wikipedia

The one thing the two HITNRUN records have in common is their fondness for referring to Prince's past.

The Guardian - Music

People who live with canine companions ��� dog owners, some would call us — have certain common quirks: a fondness for wet kisses, for instance, and a compulsion to grab a fistful of fur and ask, "Who's a good boy (or girl)?" with no expectation of an answer.

Los Angeles Times

Though we didn't do anything together, or have anything in common except for a fondness for my food, we did share a living space.

The New Yorker

If DC hotels have one thing in common it's a fondness for the ostentatious, but the newly renovated AKA White House eschews the trend with a minimalist approach to luxury design.

BBC

It also has something in common with Tortoise in its fondness for minimalist, odd-meter patterns that become long, rippling expanses: another landscape, another sea for Ms. Veirs to traverse.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "common fondness for" to clearly indicate a shared positive feeling or liking among a group for a specific thing or activity. Ensure the context makes it clear who shares the fondness and what it is directed towards.

Common error

Avoid using "common fondness for" when describing a liking that is widespread but not necessarily shared within a defined group. For instance, saying 'There is a common fondness for coffee' is acceptable, but implying every single person shares this fondness would be inaccurate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "common fondness for" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a preposition or verb. It describes a shared positive sentiment or liking towards something, as seen in Ludwig's examples: "At their first meeting, Mr. Sheff and Mr. Agnello bonded over their common fondness for '60s bands..."

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "common fondness for" effectively conveys a shared liking or affection within a group. Ludwig's analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in various contexts, although its frequency is uncommon. It is often found in News & Media, Wikipedia and Science contexts. Alternatives include "shared affection for" or "mutual liking for". While versatile, be mindful of using it when describing feelings truly shared within a group, rather than generalized widespread preferences. The phrase serves well to highlight unifying interests or explain collective enthusiasm.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shared affection for

Replaces "fondness" with "affection", indicating a slightly stronger emotional connection.

mutual liking for

Substitutes "fondness" with "liking" and "common" with "mutual", emphasizing reciprocity.

joint appreciation of

Uses "appreciation" instead of "fondness", suggesting a more reasoned or intellectual enjoyment.

shared enthusiasm for

Employs "enthusiasm" to convey a more intense and passionate liking.

reciprocal admiration for

Replaces "fondness" with "admiration", indicating respect and high regard.

affinity for

Replaces "fondness" with "affinity", indicating a natural liking or connection.

a taste for

Uses the idiom "a taste for" to suggest a preference or liking.

predilection for

Uses "predilection" to indicate a special liking or preference.

inclination toward

Indicates a leaning or tendency to like something.

tenderness towards

Shifts the focus to a gentle and caring liking.

FAQs

How can I use "common fondness for" in a sentence?

You can use "common fondness for" to describe a shared liking or affection within a group. For example: "The club members shared a "common fondness for" classic literature."

What are some alternatives to "common fondness for"?

Some alternatives include "shared affection for", "mutual liking for", or "joint appreciation of". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "a common fondness to" instead of "a common fondness for"?

No, the correct preposition to use with "fondness" in this context is "for". "A common fondness to" is grammatically incorrect. Always use "a "common fondness for"".

What's the difference between "common fondness for" and "mutual interest in"?

"Common fondness for" implies a shared positive feeling or liking, while "mutual interest in" suggests a shared intellectual or practical engagement. You might have a "common fondness for" a hobby, but a "mutual interest in" a research topic.