have a taste for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have a taste for" is correct and usable in written English.
It is a way to say that someone enjoys or likes something. For example: "I have a taste for spicy food."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Howler monkeys, too, have a taste for things fermented.

The New Yorker

I have a taste for the finer things in life.

Independent

"Do you have a taste for digging your own graves?

The Guardian

I think you have a taste for speed.

The New Yorker

I guess I just have a taste for melodrama.

The New York Times - Sports

And he does have a taste for darkness.

The Guardian - Film

Might darling Socks have a taste for venison cat food?

The New York Times

"Do you have a taste for anything in particular?" he asked.

The New Yorker

And it just so happens that these space wasps have a taste for Comanche blood.

The New Yorker

It made me wonder if snow leopards have a taste for joggers as well.

The New York Times

These days few outside strongholds like Taiji have a taste for whale meat.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "have a taste for" to indicate a developed or acquired enjoyment, rather than a simple preference. It suggests a deeper appreciation.

Common error

Avoid using "have a taste for" when describing basic needs or universally enjoyed things. It's more suitable for expressing enjoyment of niche or acquired tastes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have a taste for" functions as a verb phrase indicating a particular liking or preference. It highlights a cultivated enjoyment or fondness, as seen in Ludwig's examples. The grammatical structure allows it to express someone's inclination towards specific things or experiences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

10%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "have a taste for" is a common and versatile expression used to convey a fondness or preference for something specific. As Ludwig AI clarifies, it is grammatically correct and widely accepted in written English. The phrase appears frequently in news, media, and scientific contexts, indicating its broad applicability. While alternatives like "enjoy" or "appreciate" exist, "have a taste for" often suggests a cultivated or developed enjoyment, rather than a simple liking. Understanding this nuance can help writers use the phrase more effectively and appropriately.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have a liking for

A more formal way of saying you like something.

enjoy

This is a simpler, more direct way of expressing liking or appreciation.

be fond of

Indicates a general liking or affection.

appreciate

Suggests a more refined or thoughtful enjoyment.

be keen on

Suggests a strong interest or enthusiasm.

relish

Implies savoring or taking great pleasure in something.

be partial to

Indicates a preference for something over other things.

find appealing

Suggests something attracts or pleases you.

go in for

Implies an active engagement with or enthusiasm for something.

favor

This suggests preference or bias towards something.

FAQs

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

To "have a taste for" something means to enjoy or appreciate it, often implying a developed or acquired preference.

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

You can say, "She "has a taste for" vintage wines" or "He "has a taste for" adventure novels".

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

You can use alternatives like "enjoy", "appreciate", or "be fond of" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "has a taste for" instead of "have a taste for"?

Yes, "has a taste for" is correct when referring to a singular subject. Use "have a taste for" with plural subjects or the pronoun "I", "you", "we", or "they".