fondly

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the phrase "fondly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing affection or warm feelings towards someone or something. Example: "She spoke fondly of her childhood memories spent at her grandparents' house."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I was a young journalist; I didn't get on to the newsdesk for three or four years, until the retirement in the early 70s of the news editor, fondly known as "the bosun", whose favoured maxim was "My arse is a teacake".

The Guardian

Related: Amtrak crash: safety mechanism to slow speeding trains was close to operational Gaines worked as a staffer with the news agency for 17 years, his colleagues fondly referring to him as a "geek's geek", in the wire's announcement of his death.

The Guardian

Those of us who fondly delude ourselves that Scotland is the global mecca for the socially progressive really need to snap out of it soon.

The Guardian - Opinion

On the other hand, Canberrans speak fondly of how easy it is to get around – unlike the gridlock of Sydney and Melbourne.

The Guardian

Yes, recent findings prove that we pale, neurotic, black-clad creatures – members of an acned little colony rather than the empire rulers we fondly imagine ourselves to be – are just as unhealthy as that lot.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Mum took me to my first gig, to see Rod Stewart, when I was seven, but it's Dad's record collection I remember most fondly – from Eric Clapton and Dr Hook to Fleetwood Mac.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"I got booed at the Gabba [in a one-day game] but I never remember being booed in my home ground, but I remember that fondly," Clarke joked.

The Guardian - Sport

We should always remember the Benson and Hedges World Series Cup – fondly glorifying it, misremembering how slow the net run rates actually were, perennially overrating some of the ropey touring sides who made up the numbers against Australia and the West Indies and convincing the generations below us that it was cricket nirvana because occasionally, it truly was.

The Guardian - Sport

"What a wicked old sodomite you are," Mallory wrote fondly in April 1910, "with your Antonious and your Rupert and your beautiful young Lamb.

The Guardian

She recalls fondly the times before the assault happened when her brothers and sisters would create plays and make up stories.

The Guardian - Film

The principal reason he is remembered so fondly by so many is because of the economy.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "fondly" to add emotional depth when describing memories, relationships, or habitual actions, indicating affection or pleasure.

Common error

Avoid using "fondly" excessively in formal or business writing where a more neutral or objective tone is preferred. Opt for alternatives like "respectfully" or "appreciatively" when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "fondly" is as an adverb, modifying verbs to indicate the manner in which an action is performed, expressing affection or warm feelings. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples of its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fondly" functions as an adverb to express affection or warm feelings associated with an action or memory. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, primarily in news and media. While versatile, it's best to avoid overuse in strictly formal settings. Consider alternatives like "affectionately" or "lovingly" for similar emotional emphasis. Remember to use "fondly" to add warmth and depth to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

with fondness

Directly relates to the state of being fond of something.

affectionately

Focuses specifically on expressing love or warm feelings.

lovingly

Emphasizes the love and care involved in the action or memory.

tenderly

Highlights the gentle and caring nature of the action or sentiment.

with affection

A more descriptive phrase, emphasizing the presence of affection.

warmly

Conveys a sense of comfort and happiness in the memory or action.

with love

Highlights strong and deep positive emotions.

dear to the heart

Indicates something cherished and valued.

with pleasure

Focuses on the enjoyment derived from the action or memory.

in a heartwarming way

Emphasizes the positive and emotional impact of the action or sentiment.

FAQs

How can I use "fondly" in a sentence?

"Fondly" is used to describe an action or memory with affection. For example, "She spoke "fondly" of her childhood pet."

What are some alternatives to "fondly"?

You can use alternatives like "affectionately", "lovingly", or "tenderly" to convey a similar sense of affection.

Is it appropriate to use "fondly" in formal writing?

While "fondly" is generally acceptable, it may be too sentimental for some formal contexts. Consider more neutral alternatives like "respectfully" or "appreciatively" depending on the intended meaning.

What's the difference between "fondly" and "affectionately"?

Both words convey affection, but "affectionately" often suggests a more demonstrative expression of love, while "fondly" can also imply a gentle and warm remembrance.