has a taste for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has a taste for" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It typically describes someone's preferences or inclinations towards something. Example: Sarah has a taste for adventure, always seeking out new and exciting experiences.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

He has a taste for the theatric.

The New York Times - Sports

He has "a taste for performance".

The New York Times - Books

He also has a taste for mischief".

The New York Times - Sports

He has a taste for Tennyson, too.

The Guardian - Books

It's clear he has a taste for American history.

The New Yorker

Mr Thain clearly has a taste for deals.

The Economist

A hawk, he has a taste for the dramatic.

The New York Times

He has a taste for anecdotes and vivid socks.

The Guardian

Mr. Gibbs clearly has a taste for grand gestures.

The New York Times

He also has a taste for bitter, bloody narco songs.

The New York Times - Travel

Von Trier has a taste for holy fools.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "has a taste for" to subtly indicate a preference or inclination, especially when describing someone's interests or habits. It adds a touch of sophistication compared to simpler phrases like "likes".

Common error

Avoid using "has a taste for" when a stronger expression of enjoyment or necessity is more appropriate. It's best suited for describing preferences, not essential needs or strong desires.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has a taste for" functions as a verb phrase indicating a preference or liking. It's used to describe someone's inclination towards something, as shown in Ludwig's examples, reflecting a personal enjoyment or appreciation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "has a taste for" is a versatile idiom used to express a preference or inclination towards something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. While simpler alternatives exist, "has a taste for" adds a touch of sophistication and is suitable for various contexts, particularly news, media and scientific publications. Related phrases like "enjoys" or "appreciates" can be used depending on the desired nuance. It's best used to describe preferences rather than strong needs and, the expert rating confirms its authority and consistency. It appears, therefore, to be more versatile than initially expected.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has a preference for

Directly states a chosen liking over other options.

enjoys

This alternative is a more direct and general way to express liking something.

appreciates

This suggests a more refined or thoughtful liking.

favors

This indicates a choice of one thing over others.

is fond of

Implies an affectionate liking, often for something simple or comforting.

is partial to

Indicates a specific liking, sometimes unexpectedly.

is inclined toward

Indicates a tendency or predisposition towards something.

is keen on

Suggests enthusiasm or eagerness for something.

has an affinity for

Implies a natural connection or liking.

gravitates towards

Suggests being naturally drawn towards something.

FAQs

What does it mean to "have a taste for" something?

To "have a taste for" something means to have a liking or preference for it. It implies an appreciation or enjoyment of something specific.

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

You can use "has a taste for" to describe someone's preferences. For example, "He "enjoys" classic literature", or "She "favors" Italian cuisine".

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

Alternatives include "is fond of", "appreciates", "enjoys", or "is partial to", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "has a taste for" a formal or informal expression?

"Has a taste for" is generally considered a neutral to slightly formal expression. It's suitable for both written and spoken English, but might be replaced by simpler alternatives like "likes" in very informal contexts.