fondness for

USAGE SUMMARY

"fondness for" is perfectly correct and usable in written English.
You could use it when expressing a feeling of affection, attachment, or admiration towards someone or something. For example, "I have a fondness for classical music."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Their fondness for it….

The New Yorker

"AN INORDINATE fondness for beetles".

The Economist

Witness his fondness for overdetermined analogies.

The New York Times - Books

He has a fondness for baby chickens.

The New York Times - Arts

One is a fondness for plagiarism.

The Economist

"I never outgrew my fondness for melodrama".

The New York Times - Arts

He has a fondness for Elizabeth Taylor, too.

The New Yorker

He shares Bush's fondness for boots, too.

The Washington Post

Köppen's fondness for children was well known.

Britannica

She had a fondness for angels.

The New York Times

Modern, German, fondness for atonal music.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, consider the context to ensure that "fondness for" accurately conveys the intended emotion or inclination. If a stronger emotion is meant, consider using phrases like "love of" or "passion for".

Common error

While "fondness for" is generally acceptable, avoid overusing it in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise or sophisticated terms like "propensity for", "inclination towards", or "predilection for" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fondness for" functions primarily as a noun phrase acting as a prepositional complement. According to Ludwig AI, it expresses a feeling of affection, attachment, or admiration. It often introduces the object or subject of affection, as seen in examples like "He has a fondness for baby chickens."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Encyclopedias

2%

Science

2%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fondness for" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to express a mild, affectionate preference. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate for conveying a positive sentiment without being overly intense. While versatile, it should be used judiciously in highly formal contexts, opting for more precise alternatives where suitable. Its prevalence in news and media sources indicates its broad acceptance and understandability. Be mindful to choose the correct term to accurately reflect how to express your feelings, and also note the difference between this expression and stronger terms like "love of".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Affection for

Directly replaces "fondness" with "affection", indicating a feeling of love or warm regard.

Liking for

Uses the simpler term "liking" instead of "fondness", suggesting a milder degree of preference.

Preference for

Replaces "fondness" with "preference", indicating a choice or inclination towards something.

Inclination towards

Uses "inclination" to suggest a natural tendency or leaning, which is a more formal alternative.

Appreciation for

Highlights a sense of gratitude or recognition of value, shifting the focus from simple liking.

Partiality to

Suggests a bias or favoritism, which is a stronger and more specific form of fondness.

Taste for

Indicates a developed liking or enjoyment, often in the context of food or art.

Love of

Expresses a stronger emotion than "fondness", suggesting a deep and passionate affection.

Admiration for

Focuses on respect and high regard, rather than simple liking or affection.

Enthusiasm for

Highlights excitement and eagerness, implying a more active and expressive interest.

FAQs

How can I use "fondness for" in a sentence?

You can use "fondness for" to express a gentle, affectionate preference or liking. For example, "She has a "fondness for" old movies" or "He developed a "fondness for" hiking after moving to the mountains."

What are some alternatives to "fondness for"?

Some alternatives to "fondness for" include "affection for", "liking for", "preference for", or "inclination towards". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "fondness for" formal or informal?

"Fondness for" is generally considered to be neutral in formality. It's suitable for most contexts, but may be perceived as slightly informal in highly academic or professional settings where a more precise term might be preferred.

What's the difference between "fondness for" and "love of"?

"Love of" expresses a much stronger emotion than "fondness for". While "fondness for" suggests a gentle, affectionate liking, "love of" implies a deep and passionate affection or admiration.