has a liking for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has a liking for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express someone's preference or fondness for something. Example: "She has a liking for classical music, often attending concerts and recitals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Mr. Tsuga, 55, who has a liking for muscular cars, preaches survival through tough love.

The New York Times - Tech

Richie Gray is not known for his try-scoring prowess but he has a liking for Dublin.

The Guardian - Sport

And Bill Clinton, as the world now supposes, has a liking for oral sex with women not his wife.Nor are personal weaknesses the end of it.

The Economist

The priest, who has a liking for brandy and is the putative father of several local lads, is right out of Graham Greene.

The Guardian - Film

John Banville has a liking for first-person narration and for narrators who feel compelled to go back to things, to go back over things.

The Guardian - Books

His work has about it a sense of occasion, and Richter has mentioned in the past that he has a liking for what might be called "official art".

The Guardian - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

I don't think he has a like-for-like as a footballer.

BBC

"However, I am delighted that we have a like-for-like replacement in Nathan.

The Guardian - Sport

I have a liking for lobsters.

The New Yorker

Crooks have also had a liking for them.

The Economist

But I have had a liking for Gormley's work.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "has a liking for" when you want to express a mild preference or enjoyment. It's suitable for describing tastes, hobbies, or personal inclinations.

Common error

Avoid using "has a liking for" when a stronger expression of preference (e.g., "loves", "adores") is more appropriate. The phrase indicates a moderate level of fondness, not intense passion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has a liking for" functions as a verb phrase expressing a state of preference or enjoyment. It indicates that the subject has a positive inclination towards something. Ludwig examples confirm its use in expressing personal tastes and preferences.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Books

20%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "has a liking for" serves as a versatile tool for expressing a moderate level of preference or enjoyment. As highlighted by Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and appears in various reputable sources, particularly in news and media contexts. While the phrase is generally neutral, alternatives such as "is fond of" or "enjoys" may provide subtle variations in meaning or formality. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's validity and usability, making it a reliable choice for expressing personal tastes and inclinations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is fond of

Indicates affection or enjoyment, a general positive sentiment.

is keen on

Indicates enthusiasm or eagerness.

is partial to

Emphasizes a preference, suggesting a bias or inclination towards something.

takes pleasure in

Highlights the enjoyment derived from an activity or object.

enjoys

A simple and direct way to express pleasure or satisfaction.

has an affinity for

Implies a natural connection or attraction.

appreciates

Suggests a more thoughtful or discerning enjoyment.

is delighted by

Expresses a high level of enjoyment or happiness.

favors

Suggests a preference, often in comparison to other options.

revels in

Implies intense enjoyment and satisfaction.

FAQs

What does "has a liking for" mean?

The phrase "has a liking for" means to have a preference or fondness for something. It indicates that someone enjoys or appreciates something to a certain degree.

How can I use "has a liking for" in a sentence?

You can use "has a liking for" to describe someone's preferences or interests. For example, "She "has a liking for" classical music" or "He "has a liking for" spicy food".

What are some alternatives to "has a liking for"?

Some alternatives to "has a liking for" include "is fond of", "enjoys", "is partial to", and "appreciates". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "has a liking for" formal or informal?

"Has a liking for" is relatively neutral in tone. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives like "appreciates" might be preferred in academic or professional writing.