displays of affection

USAGE SUMMARY

"displays of affection" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It refers to physical or verbal expressions of love and care towards someone. You can use this phrase to describe acts of affection or to discuss the behavior of individuals in a relationship. Example: The couple's constant displays of affection, such as holding hands and giving each other loving glances, made it evident that they were deeply in love.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Public displays of affection are, likewise, taboo.

The New York Times

Public displays of affection can be awkward.

The Guardian - Opinion

Displays of affection for the United States are ubiquitous.

The New Yorker

There was a surprise flourishing of public displays of affection.

The New York Times - Style

Such public displays of affection are still generally frowned upon.

The New York Times

Punishable offences include homosexuality, sex outside marriage and public displays of affection.

Independent

It bans marriage and displays of affection between people of the same sex.

The Economist

Such displays of affection and gratitude, genuine or not, capture the attention of the audience.

The New York Times - Arts

Public displays of affection among same-sex couples would also be an offense.

The New York Times

Displays of affection between men in public, like hugging and holding hands, are common.

The New York Times

Much of the time, Kirsten embraced the tutoring, which he punctuated with unabashed displays of affection.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "displays of affection" to describe both physical and verbal expressions of love or fondness, ensuring your examples are clear.

Common error

While acceptable in many contexts, overuse of the phrase "displays of affection" can sound repetitive. Consider varying your language with synonyms like "expressions of love" or "affectionate gestures" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "displays of affection" primarily functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Wiki

18%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "displays of affection" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase that describes expressions of love or fondness. As Ludwig confirms, it appears most commonly in News & Media contexts, and maintains a neutral register. While the appropriateness of "displays of affection" varies across cultures and situations, understanding its meaning and usage can improve clarity and sensitivity in your writing. Be aware of potential overuse in formal writing and consider alternatives like "expressions of love" or "affectionate gestures" when needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shows of affection

This alternative replaces "displays" with "shows", maintaining a very close semantic similarity.

expressions of love

This option uses more direct language to convey the same idea, focusing on the "love" aspect.

acts of endearment

This emphasizes the actions taken to show affection, rather than the visual aspect.

signs of fondness

This alternative softens the intensity, suggesting a gentle affection.

public affection

This option removes the word "displays", focusing on the concept of affection in public.

affectionate gestures

This replaces "displays" with "gestures", emphasizing the physical acts of affection.

romantic gestures

This focuses on the romantic aspect of the displays.

demonstrations of love

This alternative offers a more formal and emphatic way to express the concept.

outward affection

This shifts the focus to the external manifestation of affection.

overt affection

This term suggests affection shown openly and without reservation.

FAQs

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

You can use "displays of affection" to describe actions that show love or care. For example: "The couple's public "displays of affection" were a bit much for some people."

What are some alternatives to "displays of affection"?

Alternatives include "shows of affection", "expressions of love", or "acts of endearment". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to engage in "displays of affection"?

No, the appropriateness of "displays of affection" depends on cultural norms, personal preferences, and the specific setting. What is acceptable in one culture or situation may be considered inappropriate in another.

What's the difference between "displays of affection" and "public displays of affection"?

"Displays of affection" generally refers to any expression of love or fondness, while "public "displays of affection"" specifically refers to expressions of love or fondness that occur in public settings. Public displays are often subject to social norms and expectations.