have a thing for

USAGE SUMMARY

"have a thing for" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to express strong attraction to someone or something. For example, "He has a thing for vintage cars."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I have a thing for Day.

The New York Times

I have a thing for rhinos.

The New York Times - Books

"I definitely have a thing for them," Mr. Siriano said.

The New York Times

We, the people, have a thing for pranks.

The New Yorker

Clearly these girls have a thing for penises.

Independent

Editors there seem to have a thing for the workout.

The New York Times

But then most dancers have a thing for shoes.

The Guardian

UNLIKE most travelers, I have a thing for airports.

The New York Times

"I have a thing for water," he said.

The New York Times

Or, "I have a thing for Tristan Klingsor".

The New Yorker

Sooze still seems to have a thing for Pony, but she also seems to have a thing for the boys who try to hold her back.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "have a thing for" to describe a personal preference or attraction, whether it's a fleeting interest or a long-standing fondness. It's suitable for casual conversation and informal writing.

Common error

While "have a thing for" is common, avoid it in formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise and professional language like "be fond of" or "be interested in" to maintain a serious tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have a thing for" functions as an idiomatic expression used to indicate a liking, attraction, or preference for someone or something. Ludwig shows many examples of its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Wiki

3%

Science

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "have a thing for" is a common idiomatic expression used to denote a liking or attraction, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. It's grammatically sound and very frequent, particularly in news and media. While suitable for informal contexts, it should be used sparingly in formal writing. Consider alternatives like "be fond of" or "be attracted to" in professional settings. Keep in mind that the phrase implies a stronger affection or preference than simply being interested. Ludwig provides numerous examples that reflect a wide variety of use cases.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be attracted to

This alternative specifies attraction, which is a common component of "having a thing for" something or someone.

be fond of

This alternative replaces the idiomatic "have a thing for" with a more straightforward expression of fondness.

be keen on

This alternative uses a different idiom to express a strong interest or liking.

be partial to

This alternative suggests a preference or bias towards something.

be interested in

This alternative expresses interest, but it's less intense than "having a thing for".

develop a liking for

This alternative suggests that the affection grows with time.

harbor an affection for

This alternative is more formal and suggests a deep or secret liking.

admire greatly

This alternative focuses on admiration, a form of high regard and appreciation.

enjoy immensely

This alternative emphasizes the enjoyment derived from something or someone.

possess a strong affinity for

This alternative is a formal way of expressing a natural liking or connection.

FAQs

How to use "have a thing for" in a sentence?

You can use "have a thing for" to express that you like someone or something. For example, "I "have a thing for" vintage cars" or "She "has a thing for" Italian food".

What can I say instead of "have a thing for"?

You can use alternatives like "be fond of", "be attracted to", or "be keen on depending on the context.

Is "have a thing for" formal or informal?

"Have a thing for" is generally considered an informal expression. It's best suited for casual conversation and less formal writing. In professional or academic settings, it is advisable to use more formal alternatives.

What's the difference between "have a thing for" and "be interested in"?

"Have a thing for" implies a stronger attraction or fondness than "be interested in". The latter suggests a general curiosity, while the former suggests a specific liking or preference.