fond of reading

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fond of reading" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who enjoys reading or has a fondness for reading. For example, "My mother has always been fond of reading and has passed on her passion for books to me."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

I am really fond of reading and traveling.

The New York Times

She was instead fond of reading, visiting friends and spending time outdoors.

Huffington Post

"Of the making of many books," the United Parcel Service man said as he handed over six, "there is no end". He is up on his Scriptures and otherwise fond of reading, but there was a doubtful note in his voice.

Los Angeles Times

I'm very fond of reading out passages.

Yale University

He was fond of reading history books.

The New York Times - Magazine

In particular, I am fond of reading about The Theory of Everything and String Theory.

University of California, Berkeley

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Sotomayor, who this year said she was not fond of justices reading dissents from the bench to emphasize disagreement, overcame her reluctance to do just that.

The Washington Post

Mehta herself was not so fond of studying and reading, so one summer, she took a vacation with her sister and Mr. and Mrs. Sevenoaks to Europe by sea to various countries like the United Kingdom and Austria, among others.

Stanford University

"Everyone had romantic, fond memories of reading the books back then".

The New York Times - Magazine

I have fond memories of reading A Writer's Notebook some 25 years ago.

The Guardian - Books

To the Editor: Thanks to Nellie McKay for bringing back fond memories of reading John Lennon's "In His Own Write" as a teenager.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's general interests, use "fond of reading" to suggest a mild enjoyment rather than intense passion. If the context requires emphasizing passion, consider alternatives like "loves to read" or "has a passion for reading".

Common error

While grammatically correct, "fond of reading" can sound slightly informal in academic or professional writing. In these contexts, consider alternatives such as "enjoys reading", "is an avid reader", or "appreciates literature" to maintain a more sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fond of reading" functions as an adjectival phrase describing a characteristic or preference. It combines the adjective "fond", the preposition "of", and the gerund "reading" to indicate an enjoyment or liking for the activity. The use of a gerund after "of" is grammatically correct, and Ludwig confirms this.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Academia

30%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "fond of reading" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression to describe a liking for reading. As Ludwig confirms, the phrase is correct and can be used in written English. Its register is generally neutral, making it suitable for various contexts, although more formal alternatives may be preferable in academic or professional settings. This analysis highlights its communicative purpose of expressing a personal preference and provides valuable insights for writers seeking to use the phrase effectively. The most authoritative sources mentioning the phrase are mainly news and media and academic sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

enjoys reading

Direct synonym, replacing the adjective "fond" with the verb "enjoys" for a more active feel.

loves to read

Stronger degree of affection conveyed by using "loves" instead of "fond".

a keen reader

Uses "keen" to denote enthusiasm for reading, presenting it as an identity.

has a passion for reading

Emphasizes a strong, intense interest in reading.

finds pleasure in reading

Focuses on the enjoyment derived from the activity of reading.

is an avid reader

Describes someone who reads a lot and with great enthusiasm.

takes delight in reading

Highlights the happiness and joy that reading brings.

is interested in reading

A more general term indicating an interest in reading, less enthusiastic than "fond".

appreciates literature

Focuses on the appreciation of literary works, implying a more discerning taste.

is a book lover

Describes someone with a general affection for books, not specifically the act of reading.

FAQs

What does "fond of reading" mean?

The phrase "fond of reading" means that someone enjoys reading or has a liking for it. It suggests a gentle affection for the activity rather than an intense passion.

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

You can use alternatives like "enjoys reading", "loves to read", or "is an avid reader" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "I am fond of to read"?

No, the correct usage is "I am fond of reading". The phrase "fond of" is followed by a gerund (the -ing form of the verb).

What is the difference between "fond of reading" and "interested in reading"?

"Fond of reading" suggests a general liking or enjoyment of reading. "Interested in reading" implies a curiosity or willingness to explore reading as an activity, but not necessarily enjoyment.