have a liking for

USAGE SUMMARY

"have a liking for" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase can be used to express a fondness or preference for something or someone. Example: I have a liking for spicy food, so I always add extra chili flakes to my meals. In this sentence, "have a liking for" expresses the speaker's fondness for spicy food. Here are a few more examples of using this phrase in different contexts: - My grandmother has always had a liking for gardening, and she spends hours tending to her flower beds. - The new intern seems to have a liking for gossip, as she's always hovering around the water cooler. - Marcus has a liking for Sarah, but he's too shy to express his feelings. - Despite her reputation for being aloof, she actually has a liking for small talk and will engage in it for hours.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

I have a liking for lobsters.

The New Yorker

Some of the athenaeum's current members have a liking for 19th-century mystery novels, and there is a vast stock of such books in its stacks.

The New York Times - Travel

David Edmonds and John Eidinow, who have also written about the row between Ludwig Wittgenstein and Karl Popper, have a liking for the character failings of big minds.

The Guardian - Books

We have a liking for books that evade the question, for books that deal in history and large events the author neither witnessed nor lived through.

The Guardian - Books

We salvage whatever netting we can find and cover up most of the chard, leaving the kale to fend for itself (so far there's no evidence they have a liking for it).

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Melaka Nyonyas, with their proximity to Indonesia, have a liking for sweet flavours and classic, crowd pleasing dishes such as lemak nenas - prawns and pineapple cooked in coconut milk, reflect this.

The Guardian - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

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

The Guardian - Sport

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

BBC

The council said it had a like-for-like policy of replacing every tree removed, "but in a more appropriate location".

BBC

Crooks have also had a liking for them.

The Economist

He had a liking for the humorous aside.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "have a liking for" to express a mild preference or enjoyment. It's suitable when you want to convey a positive sentiment without strong enthusiasm.

Common error

Avoid using "have a liking for" excessively in formal writing. While grammatically correct, it can sound less sophisticated than alternatives like "appreciate" or "enjoy".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have a liking for" functions as a verbal phrase expressing a mild preference or fondness. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for written English. Many examples shows its usage in different contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

30%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "have a liking for" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to convey a mild preference or enjoyment. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English across various contexts. While versatile, it's best suited for neutral or slightly informal situations. If you're aiming for a more formal tone, consider alternatives such as "appreciate" or "favor". Though "have a liking for" may not express the same intensity as "love", it communicates a positive sentiment effectively. Remember to avoid overusing it in highly formal writing to maintain sophistication. The phrase is commonly found in news and media sources, as well as on wikis, illustrating its broad applicability. Top authoritative sources includes The Guardian, The New York Times and BBC.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be fond of

Indicates an affectionate liking.

be partial to

Suggests a specific preference.

enjoy

A more general term for finding pleasure in something.

be keen on

Implies a strong interest or enthusiasm.

take pleasure in

Highlights the enjoyment derived from something.

appreciate

Suggests a more thoughtful or reasoned fondness.

have a taste for

Implies an acquired preference.

be attracted to

Implies a strong interest or appeal.

have an affinity for

Suggests a natural connection or sympathy.

be inclined toward

Suggests a natural tendency or preference.

FAQs

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

You can use "have a liking for" to express a mild preference or enjoyment, as in "I "have a liking for" jazz music" or "She "has a liking for" classical literature".

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

Alternatives include "enjoy", "appreciate", or "be fond of". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "have a liking for" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "have a liking for" may sound less sophisticated in formal writing. Consider stronger alternatives like "appreciate" or "favor" for a more formal tone.

What's the difference between "have a liking for" and "love"?

"Have a liking for" expresses a mild preference or enjoyment, while "love" indicates a much stronger emotional attachment or passion.