fond of him

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fond of him" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it whenever you want to express that you have an affectionate and warm feeling of attachment or admiration for someone. For example: I've grown quite fond of him since we started working together.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

And they are actually fond of him.

The New York Times

I'm really very fond of him.

The Guardian

"They were very fond of him".

The New York Times

Martin is probably a little too fond of him.

The New York Times - Books

To be exact, I'm no longer fond of him.

The New Yorker

"I'd got really fond of him," Brown said.

The New York Times - Magazine

I was very fond of him," she said.

The Guardian

Hugh visits her and she grows very fond of him.

The New Yorker

But even some of Tanner's detractors say they are still fond of him.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

He spoke of their two children, whom she had always believed were fonder of him than they were of her.

The New Yorker

Needless to say, Flynn's thieving ways only make Francesca even fonder of him.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "fond of him", ensure the context makes it clear who "him" refers to, especially if the pronoun's antecedent is not immediately obvious.

Common error

While "fond of him" is acceptable in many situations, avoid overusing it in highly formal writing. Opt for alternatives like "respect him" or "admire him" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fond of him" functions as a descriptive expression, where 'fond' acts as an adjective modifying an implied noun (feeling, opinion), and 'of him' specifies the object of that feeling. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Academia

0.1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "fond of him" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to convey a warm affection or liking for someone. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears frequently in various contexts, particularly in news and media sources. While it's generally neutral in register, it's wise to consider slightly more formal alternatives in professional settings. To avoid ambiguity, ensure the context clearly identifies the referent of "him". Consider alternatives like "have affection for him" or "admire him greatly" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have a soft spot for him

Suggests a particular fondness despite potential flaws.

have affection for him

Emphasizes a feeling of affection rather than fondness.

think the world of him

Expresses a very high opinion and deep appreciation.

feel warmly toward him

Highlights the warmth and positive feeling directed at the person.

be attached to him

Focuses on the emotional connection and bond.

care for him deeply

Indicates a strong sense of care and concern.

think highly of him

Emphasizes a positive opinion and respect.

admire him greatly

Focuses on admiration and respect rather than affection.

hold him in high regard

Implies respect and esteem.

value his presence

Highlights the importance of the person's presence in one's life.

FAQs

What does it mean to be "fond of him"?

To be "fond of him" means to have a warm, affectionate feeling towards someone. It suggests a gentle liking and appreciation.

What can I say instead of "fond of him"?

You can use alternatives like "have affection for him", "admire him greatly", or "think highly of him" depending on the context.

Is it more appropriate to say "fond of him" or "like him a lot"?

While both convey a positive sentiment, "fond of him" suggests a deeper affection than "like him a lot". The choice depends on the intensity of the feeling you want to express.

How do I use "fond of him" in a sentence?

You can use "fond of him" in a sentence like, "She grew quite fond of him after working together for many years" or "Despite his quirks, I am quite fond of him".