fancy someone

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fancy someone" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It means to have a romantic or physical attraction towards someone. Example: "I can't believe it, but I think I fancy my coworker!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

It takes between 90 seconds and four minutes to decide if you fancy someone.

The Guardian

If you fancy someone, simply hurl a bucket of spit at their shoes.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Now scientists claim to have discovered the key to finding love, and it's simple: if you fancy someone, just tell them.

Independent

With Giambi probably on his way out, think the Yankees wouldn't fancy someone with Peña's power numbers and defensive skills as they move across the street in 2009?

The New York Times - Sports

I think it's harder when you're gay because you can really fancy someone but it can be quite embarrassing to ask someone out, then they turn out to be straight.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I was dealing with incredibly powerful adult emotions at quite a young age, but it went away as quickly as it came when I started to fancy someone in my class.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Or you're scared of looking people in the eyes because you constantly think you're going to be exposed, even if you're not quite sure what form that exposure will take – for being thick, a smartarse, insensitive, over-sensitive, fancying someone, not fancying someone, having nothing to say, you name it.

Vice

The Chat-up: Fancying someone you work with is not a criminal offence and neither is asking them out.

Independent

That would be like saying you fancied someone to their face!" A lot of readers will sympathise with that, I say.

The Guardian

It wasn't that fact that he was gay that upset me; it was more that I felt I had been duped into fancying someone whom, I could daydream, maybe, just maybe, might one day fancy me back.

The Guardian - Opinion

Through sound effects, both hand-produced and electronic, "One Evening" evokes the surrounding woodland and the heavy tread of the protagonist of Schubert's song cycle, a lone traveler who is emotionally devastated because his beloved fancies someone else.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Be mindful of the audience and context. While acceptable in many situations, "fancy someone" might not be appropriate in formal or professional settings.

Common error

Avoid using "fancy someone" in formal writing or professional communication. It's better to use more neutral language like "admire" or "respect" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fancy someone" functions as a verb phrase expressing attraction. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a common way to describe having romantic or physical interest in another person. Examples show it used in everyday conversations and media.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Lifestyle

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fancy someone" is a common and grammatically correct English phrase used to express romantic or physical attraction to another person. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate for informal settings and is frequently found in news and lifestyle content. While generally acceptable, it should be avoided in formal or professional contexts where more neutral language is preferred. To convey similar meanings, consider using phrases like "be attracted to someone" or "have a crush on someone". Remember to be mindful of your audience and the context to ensure effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be attracted to someone

Expresses the feeling of being drawn to someone, focusing on the attraction aspect.

have a crush on someone

Indicates a strong but often fleeting infatuation.

be keen on someone

Similar to fancying, but suggests a stronger level of interest.

be into someone

A more casual way to express interest, often implying romantic or sexual attraction.

take a shine to someone

Suggests an immediate and favorable impression, leading to attraction.

fall for someone

Implies a deeper emotional connection and the beginning of romantic feelings.

be sweet on someone

A more old-fashioned and innocent way of expressing affection.

have feelings for someone

A general expression of emotional connection, which may or may not be romantic.

admire someone

Expresses a feeling of respect and approval, which can sometimes be a precursor to attraction.

be captivated by someone

Suggests being charmed and intrigued by someone, often due to their personality or qualities.

FAQs

What does it mean to "fancy someone"?

To "fancy someone" means to be attracted to them or to have romantic feelings for them. It's a common expression used to describe initial feelings of attraction.

What can I say instead of "fancy someone"?

You can use alternatives like "be attracted to someone", "have a crush on someone", or "be keen on someone" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "fancy someone" in a formal setting?

Generally, no. "Fancy someone" is considered an informal expression. In formal settings, it's better to use more neutral language to describe admiration or interest.

How do I know if I "fancy someone"?

If you "fancy someone", you'll likely feel attracted to them, enjoy spending time with them, and think about them often. It's a feeling of romantic or physical attraction.