have an aversion to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have an aversion to" is valid and often used in written English.
An example of a sentence using this phrase could be: "Some people have an aversion to seafood, regardless of how it is cooked."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Doctors also have an aversion to reporting.

The New York Times

They have an aversion to autocratic settings.

The Washington Post

I have an aversion to that door.

The New York Times

"I have an aversion to Sarah Mitchum.

The New Yorker

I have an aversion to anything doggy.

The New York Times - Magazine

Some people have an aversion to killing anything, and some people have an aversion to guns.

The New York Times

And do have an aversion to any colours in food?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Then you would have an aversion to that color.

The New York Times

He seems to have an aversion to democracies.

The Guardian - Opinion

Abstract: Does the U.S. public have an aversion to using nuclear weapons?

Yale University

"All animals tend to have an aversion to being touched by a strange critter," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, use "have an aversion to" to convey a strong dislike, but consider whether a more nuanced term like "disinclination" or "reluctance" might be more appropriate depending on the context.

Common error

Avoid using "have an aversion to" when a milder expression of dislike or preference would be more fitting. Overstating your feelings can dilute the impact of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have an aversion to" functions as a predicate in a sentence, expressing a subject's strong dislike or avoidance of something. As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is valid and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Science

8%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Academia

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "have an aversion to" is a common and grammatically sound way to express a strong dislike. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and frequent use across diverse contexts. Analysis of usage patterns reveals its prevalence in "News & Media", "Science" and "Formal & Business" settings. While effective for conveying a sense of strong dislike, alternative phrasings like "dislike intensely" or "detest" may better suit different levels of intensity or formality. Understanding the nuances of this phrase helps writers communicate their sentiments with precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

object to

A formal way of expressing disapproval or disagreement, often used in professional contexts.

have a disinclination towards

Presents a more formal way of expressing a lack of enthusiasm or willingness, softer than an aversion.

be loath to

Implies reluctance or unwillingness to do something, suggesting a milder form of aversion.

have no stomach for

Expresses a lack of tolerance or willingness to experience something unpleasant.

dislike intensely

Emphasizes a strong feeling of dislike, making it a more direct expression of aversion.

take a dim view of

Indicates disapproval or a negative opinion, implying a less intense aversion.

shrink from

Suggests avoiding something due to fear or dislike, indicating a more active form of aversion.

detest

Conveys a stronger negative feeling than a simple aversion, suggesting intense dislike or hatred.

feel repugnance for

Highlights a feeling of disgust or strong dislike, emphasizing the emotional response.

abhor

Indicates a feeling of repugnance or loathing, implying a more extreme aversion.

FAQs

How can I use "have an aversion to" in a sentence?

You can use "have an aversion to" to express a strong dislike for something. For example, "I have an aversion to public speaking" means you strongly dislike public speaking.

What are some alternatives to "have an aversion to"?

Some alternatives include "dislike intensely", "detest", or "abhor", depending on the intensity of the feeling you want to convey.

Is it more formal to say "have an aversion to" or "dislike"?

"Have an aversion to" is generally considered more formal than simply saying "dislike". Choose the phrasing that best suits the tone of your writing.

What's the difference between "have an aversion to" and "have an allergy to"?

"Have an aversion to" indicates a strong dislike, while "have an allergy to" indicates a physical reaction. For example, you might "have an aversion to broccoli" because you dislike the taste, but "have an allergy to peanuts" because they cause a reaction.