having a liking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "having a liking" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a fondness or preference for something or someone. Example: "She has a liking for classical music, often attending concerts and recitals."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

At Will's apartment, Gavin reveals to Will that he is gay, after Will admits to having a liking to him, but that he is "barking up the wrong tree".

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Having a like-minded boyfriend was important to Ms. Hailey.

The New York Times

I have a liking for lobsters.

The New Yorker

Crooks have also had a liking for them.

The Economist

Trott has a liking for the Sussex bowling.

BBC

Have a liking for apples.

WikiHow

Have a liking for games.

WikiHow

Put up pictures that your child has a liking for.

WikiHow

This body has a "like-mindedness" test for membership.

The Economist

'Like!' button SNS such as Facebook has a 'Like!' button to show viewers' reactions to posts.

Research and Practice in Technology Enhanced Learning

SNS such as Facebook has a 'Like!' button to show viewers' reactions to posts.

Research and Practice in Technology Enhanced Learning

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "having a liking" when you want to express a mild preference or fondness. It's suitable for describing personal tastes and inclinations.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "having a liking" can sound somewhat informal or quaint in certain professional or academic settings. Opt for stronger, more direct alternatives like "preferring", "favoring", or "appreciating" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "having a liking" functions as a verb phrase expressing a state of preference or mild enjoyment. As Ludwig AI highlights, it indicates a fondness for something. The examples show its use in describing personal tastes and inclinations.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Wiki

33%

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "having a liking" is a grammatically correct verb phrase used to express a mild preference or fondness. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While its frequency is rare and its register leans toward informal, it remains suitable for expressing personal tastes in conversational settings. For more formal contexts, alternatives like "possessing an affinity for" or "having a preference for" may be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

having a preference for

More direct and straightforward way to express a preference.

having a fondness for

Similar in meaning, but emphasizes affection or warmth.

being fond of

Similar to "having a fondness for", but more commonly used.

possessing an affinity for

More formal and emphasizes a natural connection or attraction.

being partial to

Indicates a preference or bias towards something.

being keen on

Indicates enthusiasm or strong interest.

taking pleasure in

Highlights the enjoyment derived from something.

enjoying

Simpler and more common way to express pleasure or satisfaction.

being drawn to

Suggests an attraction or inclination towards something.

appreciating

Implies a deeper understanding or value of something.

FAQs

How can I use "having a liking" in a sentence?

You can use "having a liking" to express a mild preference for something, like "She is known for "having a liking" for classical music".

What's a more formal alternative to "having a liking"?

If you need a more formal tone, consider using phrases such as "possessing an affinity for" or "having a preference for".

Is "having a liking" the same as "being in love with"?

No, "having a liking" implies a mild preference or enjoyment, while "being in love with" expresses a much stronger, more intense emotion.

When is it appropriate to use "having a liking"?

It is appropriate when expressing a mild preference or enjoyment, especially in informal or conversational contexts. For example, "I'm "having a liking" for the new coffee shop downtown".