fond of children

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fond of children" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express a liking or affection for children in various contexts, such as describing someone's personality or preferences. Example: "She is very fond of children and often volunteers at the local daycare."

✓ Grammatically correct

Describing personal qualities

Character portrayal in literature

Parenting and family relationships

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

Are you fond of children? ‘Yeah.

The Guardian - Film

In fact, Schulz wasn't particularly fond of children, with the exception of his own.

Princeton University

"I'm not too fond of children," she said unapologetically as her husband, who also works at the clinic, laughed.

The New York Times

Cartooning was a sort of revenge.Schulz never liked the name Peanuts, which was his syndicate's idea, and he was never especially fond of children.

The Economist

The Balinese are polite, friendly and incredibly fond of children, which makes it easy for families to travel and eat out on the island.

The Guardian - Travel

Lincoln "was remarkably fond of children", and the Lincolns were not considered to be strict with their children.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

Perhaps the most universally recognized joking relatives were grandparents and grandchildren; although parents, and especially mothers, were often visibly fond of their children, the latter were expected to treat their parents with respect.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Casper is very fond of small children.

Los Angeles Times

"They are really caring, very fond of the children".

Unicef

I'm not fond of many Child recipes (too much meat and butter), but I do like many books with chow in their chapters.

Huffington Post

He has reviewed research suggesting that there are viral prompts for childhood obesity and research suggesting that children fond of fruits and vegetables aren't any less heavy than those mad for Mountain Dew.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a character's personality, use "fond of children" to subtly indicate their nurturing or caring nature. This can be more nuanced than simply stating they "like kids".

Common error

Avoid using "fond of children" when you mean a deep, passionate love. "Fond" implies a gentle affection, not an all-consuming devotion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fond of children" primarily functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe someone who has an affection or liking for children. As evidenced by Ludwig, the phrase is frequently used to characterize individuals or portray characters in literature.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Academia

6%

Encyclopedias

3%

Science

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "fond of children" is a commonly used adjectival phrase to describe someone with a liking or affection for children. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent appearance across diverse contexts. While generally neutral in register, its usage implies a gentle affection rather than intense love. Be mindful of the situation to choose the best alternative. It's commonly found in news and media, and also in wiki-type articles. Ludwig AI proves the most frequent authoritative sources mentioning this phrase include "The New York Times", "The Guardian", and "Wikipedia".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

enjoys being with children

Emphasizes the act of spending time with children, rather than just an abstract fondness.

has a soft spot for children

Implies a particular tenderness or vulnerability in one's feelings towards children.

loves kids

A more informal and direct way of expressing affection for children.

is keen on children

Uses "keen on" to express enthusiasm for children.

is partial to children

Suggests a preference or bias towards children.

adores children

Expresses a strong feeling of love and admiration for children.

is child-oriented

Focuses on having an innate interest and understanding for children's needs.

takes pleasure in children's company

Highlights the enjoyment derived from being around children.

finds joy in children

Emphasizes the happiness that children bring.

is very attached to children

Expresses a strong emotional bond with children.

FAQs

What's the difference between "fond of children" and "loves children"?

"Fond of children" implies a gentle affection or liking, whereas "loves children" suggests a deeper, more intense emotional connection. The choice depends on the degree of affection you want to convey.

How can I use "fond of children" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe someone's personality, such as "She is very "fond of children" and works as a kindergarten teacher" or to explain why someone is well-suited to a role involving kids.

What are some alternatives to "fond of children"?

You can use alternatives like "enjoys being with children", "has a soft spot for children", or simply "loves kids" depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it always positive to be "fond of children"?

Generally, yes. However, context is key. In some narratives, a character who is overly ""fond of children"" might raise suspicion, implying ulterior motives, but those situations are rare and rely heavily on subtext.