have great affection for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have great affection for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are expressing strong feelings of love and admiration towards someone or something. For example, "I have great affection for my grandmother, who has always been supportive and caring."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

But… this film I have great affection for because I have great affection for Paris, and that comes through in this film".

The Guardian - Film

"I have great affection for the Pebl," he said, "though it didn't do anything".

The New York Times

He added, "I have always loved playing in Russia and have great affection for the country and the people".

The New York Times

"I have great affection for the building," said the seller, Bill Nolan, who served on the board for many years.

The New York Times

With the Auschwitz Lego, he added, "we are confronted with something we have great affection for: Lego".

The New York Times - Arts

The musical's authors, Jeff Whitty ("Avenue Q") and the songwriting team from the band Scissor Sisters, Jake Shears and John Garden, obviously have great affection for the material.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

Ruhlman has great affection for his subjects.

The New York Times - Books

Father Greeley, a sociologist, had great affection for the people in the pews.

The New York Times

Ms. Sebelius endorsed him early, in January, and Mr. Obama has great affection for her.

The New York Times

As he describes each personality, it becomes obvious he has great affection for his charges.

The New York Times

He had great affection for his riders, and considered ninety-nine per cent of them to be wonderful people.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "have great affection for", ensure the context clearly indicates the object of your affection. Be specific to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

While "have great affection for" is generally acceptable, it can sound sentimental in highly formal or academic writing. Consider alternatives like "appreciate greatly" or "value highly" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have great affection for" functions as a verb phrase, expressing a state of feeling or emotion. It indicates a strong positive sentiment towards someone or something. Ludwig examples confirm its use in describing personal feelings and relationships.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

87%

Encyclopedias

6%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "have great affection for" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to convey a strong sense of fondness and admiration. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate for expressing feelings towards people, places, or things. While its usage is generally neutral, more formal alternatives may be preferred in certain academic or professional contexts. The phrase appears most frequently in news and media sources. To enhance your writing, use it to specifically and clearly describe the object of your affection, and consider the context to ensure it aligns with the desired tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have a deep fondness for

Emphasizes a strong feeling of liking and caring.

love dearly

A straightforward expression of deep affection.

be very fond of

A more direct and simple expression of liking.

hold in high regard

Focuses on respect and admiration rather than emotional attachment.

have a soft spot for

Implies a particular liking, often despite minor flaws.

treasure deeply

Indicates a high level of appreciation and care.

cherish deeply

Highlights the act of valuing and protecting something or someone.

admire greatly

Focuses on respect and appreciation for qualities or actions.

adore greatly

Uses a more intense term to express love and admiration.

value immensely

Stresses the importance and worth placed on something.

FAQs

What does "have great affection for" mean?

It means to feel a strong sense of love, fondness, and admiration for someone or something. It implies a deep connection and positive emotional attachment.

How can I use "have great affection for" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe your feelings towards people, places, or things. For example, "I "have great affection for" my childhood home", or "She "has great affection for" her students".

What are some alternatives to "have great affection for"?

You can use alternatives like "have a deep fondness for", "hold in high regard", or "be very fond of" to express similar sentiments.

Is "have great affection for" formal or informal?

The phrase is generally considered neutral in tone, suitable for both informal and semi-formal contexts. However, for very formal or academic writing, consider more precise alternatives.