fond

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "fond" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a feeling of strong affection towards someone or something; for example, "I am very fond of my grandparents".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

His own character played a part; never one to manage a concerted campaign, to push and cajole friends to a cause that many cabinet colleagues regarded indulgently as "Frank's hobby", he was too much the individualist, too fond of argument for argument's sake - an effect of his 1930s time as an Oxford politics don - and, ultimately, too lightweight in Whitehall to carry the day.

The Guardian

That gives him an edge on Marine Le Pen, whose efforts to reposition the FN as more mainstream and respectable have been hampered by Jean-Marie, the former paratrooper-and-proud of it who ran the party for decades and seems unduly fond of the Holocaust.

The Guardian

Back to Brannan now, for another quick reminder that Gerard Butler died and everyone here is really fond of Brannan.

The Guardian - Film

Then off I go to the dreaded crematorium with my friend Jacqueline, who was very fond of my parents, because if I don't go now while I'm nearby, several more years will sneak by while I'm not looking and will the rose bushes and plaques still be there?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Too many of us seem far too fond of narratives of our powerlessness, maybe because powerlessness lets us off the hook.

The Guardian - Opinion

Jo O'Connor, who owns the firm, is very fond of her dreadful jokes.

The Guardian

I'm also fond of the Americana inspired dudes from The Netherlands – The Common Linnets.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Others have suggested that Juncker would lack the energy to tackle the more deep-seated structural problems of the European Union, and there have been veiled hints that he was sometimes too fond of the odd drink and cigarette – leading him to deny this year that he had an alcohol problem.

The Guardian

The subject of the enthusiasm arrived late and equipped with earplugs, understandable for an elderly monarch not overly fond of rock and pop.

The Guardian - Music

Are you fond of children? ‘Yeah.

The Guardian - Film

There have been false dawns before, though recent negotiations have been unusually intense.Mr Xi is certainly fond of nationalist rhetoric.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "fond" to express a gentle and warm affection. It is suitable for describing feelings towards people, places, memories, or activities. For example, "I have fond memories of my childhood home".

Common error

Avoid using "fond" in contexts that require a stronger expression of love or passion. Overusing it can make your writing seem weak or insincere. For example, instead of "I am fond of my spouse", consider "I deeply love my spouse".

Linguistic Context

The adjective "fond" primarily functions as a descriptive modifier, indicating a feeling of affection or liking towards someone or something. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in describing pleasant emotions or memories, aligning with examples showing "fond" used to express gentle affection.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fond" is a versatile adjective used to express a gentle and warm affection or liking. Ludwig AI analysis confirms that the word is grammatically correct and widely accepted. It’s commonly found in contexts such as news and media, formal business writing, and general descriptive narratives. When using "fond", consider its neutral to slightly informal register and avoid overusing it in situations that require stronger expressions of emotion. Remember to use "fond of" rather than "fond for". Alternatives like "affectionate", "having a liking for", or "partial to" can provide nuanced variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

affectionate

Indicates warm attachment or love, with a slightly stronger emotional connotation.

having a liking for

A more descriptive alternative, emphasizing the act of liking something or someone.

partial to

Suggests a preference or bias towards something, implying a degree of fondness.

keen on

Indicates enthusiasm or interest, which can overlap with fondness in certain contexts.

attached to

Highlights an emotional connection or bond, suggesting a deeper level of fondness.

doting on

Implies excessive fondness or adoration, often towards someone.

enamored with

Suggests being captivated or charmed by something or someone, indicating strong fondness.

warm towards

Conveys a friendly and affectionate attitude, aligning with a mild form of fondness.

take a shine to

An informal expression for developing a liking or fondness for something or someone.

have a soft spot for

Indicates a particular fondness or affection, often despite any flaws or shortcomings.

FAQs

How can I use "fond" in a sentence?

You can use "fond" to describe a feeling of affection or liking towards someone or something. For example, "She is "fond of animals"" or "I have "fond memories" of our trip".

What is the difference between "fond" and "affectionate"?

"Fond" suggests a gentle liking or warm affection, while "affectionate" implies a more active demonstration of love or care. "Affectionate" often involves physical expressions of love, such as hugs or kisses, while "fond" is more of a feeling or sentiment.

Which is correct, "fond of" or "fond for"?

"Fond of" is the correct and more common preposition to use with "fond". Using "fond for" is generally considered incorrect. For example, say "I am "fond of music"", not "I am fond for music".

What can I say instead of "I'm fond of"?

You can use alternatives like "I "have a liking for"", "I'm "partial to"", or "I'm "keen on"" depending on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.