depth of affection

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "depth of affection" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the intensity or profoundness of someone's feelings of love or care towards another person. Example: "The depth of affection he showed for his family was evident in every gesture he made."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Its other great quality, which contributes equally to making the book so lifelike, is its depth of affection.

The New York Times - Books

When one minor character sniffs about poor, hapless Amelia Sedley, "We're all so fond of her" — and the narrator interjects, "Who can calculate the depth of affection expressed in that enthusiastic so?" — we might as well be watching "Mean Girls" (or a mean episode of "Girls").

The New Yorker

The depth of affection for Rabbi Hager was evident not only in the tens of thousands of Hasidim who surged around his body, shrouded in a prayer shawl, at his funeral on Wednesday in Bnei Brak, but also in the hundreds of Brooklyn followers who, because of the time difference, were able to fly to Israel to attend the service.

The New York Times

By heralding the violence as punishing for the audience and relentless, many reviews have ignored the depth of affection between the characters, and their willingness to sacrifice for each other".

BBC

Seeing that depth of affection -- you can't fake bursting into tears -- from an aide who'd cared for Ed for only one month, I was sure I'd selected the best Alzheimer's facility in town.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

It was a statement, rendered in what for Mr. Rove was an uncharacteristically small voice, that reflected the durability of his ties to Mr. Bush and the depth of his affection for him.

The New York Times

He was also enormously supportive of his students, and I was struck, when deputising for him at Bochum in 1983-84 whele he was on research leave, by the depth of their affection for him.

The Guardian

However, one moment will be with me whenever I write about politics in the future, and another forced me to face for the first time the depth of my affection for Nell and Fred, the family dogs.

The Guardian

As the home team did their lap of honour, the brimming stadium roared".Unsere liebe" (our beloved), the first words of the team a popular supporters' song, show the depth of the affection for this club which has long been the underdog.

The Economist

There is a kind of man who is always touchingly and a little irritatingly mentioning his wife — touchingly because one is moved by the depth of his affection, and irritatingly because one feels put down by the paragon who inspires it.

The New Yorker

In his affectionate introductory account of the director, the prototype of all theatrical directocrats, Frayn reveals again the depth of his affection for the theatre and its workings, and in his portrait of the man makes the unfashionable point that flamboyance and profundity are not mutually exclusive qualities.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using this phrase when emphasizing the sincerity and intensity of positive feelings, especially in contexts where simple liking is insufficient to express the emotion accurately.

Common error

While "depth of affection" is appropriate in specific emotional contexts, avoid using it too frequently, as it can make your writing sound overly sentimental or melodramatic. Balance its use with simpler expressions of liking and appreciation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "depth of affection" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the object of a verb or preposition. It expresses the degree or intensity of love or fondness felt towards someone or something, as highlighted by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "depth of affection" is a noun phrase used to convey a strong and profound emotional connection. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically sound and frequently found in news and media. While it's best used to add emphasis to one's feelings, overuse might result in the text sounding overly sentimental. Ludwig's examples show that this phrase is more common in writing than in speaking, making it appropriate for more formal contexts. Consider using alternatives like "profound affection" or "intense love" for variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

profound affection

Emphasizes the intensity and significance of the affection felt.

heartfelt affection

Stresses the sincerity and genuineness of the affection.

deep fondness

Focuses on the intensity of liking and caring.

unwavering love

Emphasizes the steadfast and constant nature of the love.

intense love

Highlights the powerful and strong feelings of love.

sincere devotion

Focuses on the commitment and loyalty associated with the affection.

great tenderness

Emphasizes the gentleness and care associated with the affection.

passionate love

Highlights the intense emotional and romantic aspect of love.

boundless love

Focuses on the limitlessness and extensiveness of the love.

strong attachment

Indicates a firm and emotional bond.

FAQs

How can I use "depth of affection" in a sentence?

You can use "depth of affection" to describe the intensity of feelings someone has for another person or something. For example: "The depth of affection he showed for his family was remarkable."

What are some alternatives to "depth of affection"?

Alternatives include "profound affection", "deep fondness", or "intense love". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "depth of affection" formal or informal?

The phrase "depth of affection" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it is more common in writing than in casual conversation.

What's the difference between "depth of affection" and "level of love"?

"Depth of affection" emphasizes the intensity and profoundness of the feeling, while "level of love" is a more general term to describe the amount of love felt. "Depth of affection" is often used to highlight a particularly strong emotional connection.