having affection for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "having affection for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express a feeling of love or fondness towards someone or something. Example: "She has always been having affection for animals, often volunteering at the local shelter."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Felicella has affection for the seventies branches.

The New Yorker

Those same diners have affection for Pastis.

The New York Times - Food

It is partially true that people have affection for Matt Busby because he is able to convince that he has affection for them.

The Guardian - Sport

Woody Allen obviously has affection for a Borscht Belt one-liner and a clownish spill.

The New York Times - Arts

Still, even the most snobbish of Victoria's retinue had affection for her.

The New Yorker

I hardly ever see them but I still have affection for him, absolutely.

Independent

Pigeons can be a nuisance, Ms. Kavanaugh said, but "I've affection for their shape".

The New York Times

Keating even goes so far as to say that he always had affection for Bob.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"People have affection for the old saints, the ones who made miracles," he said.

The New York Times

"I know her and like her; I have affection for her.

The Guardian - Film

"We have affection for everything in here and feel sad whenever they sell out".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "having affection for" to express a genuine fondness or positive sentiment towards a person, place, or thing. It conveys a sincere and heartfelt connection.

Common error

Avoid using "having affection for" in situations that require stronger expressions of love or attachment. Reserve it for moments when you want to express a gentle appreciation or fondness, rather than deep, passionate love.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "having affection for" functions as a verbal phrase expressing a feeling of fondness or love. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct. The examples provided show its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "having affection for" is a grammatically correct verbal phrase used to express a feeling of fondness or love. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical soundness. While examples are limited, the phrase is versatile and can be adapted across various contexts, generally maintaining a neutral register. Alternative phrases, such as "feeling fondness towards" or "harboring love for", offer nuanced ways to convey similar sentiments. Remember to use it to express gentle appreciation or fondness, rather than deeper, passionate love.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

having a soft spot for

This implies a gentle and tender affection, often tinged with vulnerability or sentimentality.

feeling fondness towards

This alternative emphasizes a gentle and tender feeling, implying a warm sentimentality.

taking a shine to

This suggests an immediate and perhaps unexpected attraction or fondness.

harboring love for

This suggests a deeper, more profound emotion, implying a lasting and cherished feeling.

being captivated by

This underscores the allure and fascination that inspire affection.

cherishing warm feelings for

This alternative underscores the value and care attributed to the positive emotions felt.

nurturing a liking for

This emphasizes the gradual development and cultivation of positive feelings.

holding dear to

This highlights the sense of attachment and preciousness associated with the object of affection.

holding in high regard

This signifies respect and admiration, reflecting a sense of esteem and appreciation.

being partial to

This indicates a preference or inclination, suggesting a bias towards something or someone.

FAQs

How can I use "having affection for" in a sentence?

You can use "having affection for" to express a feeling of fondness or love towards something or someone. For example, "She is always "feeling fondness towards" animals, often volunteering at the local shelter."

What can I say instead of "having affection for"?

You can use alternatives like ""feeling fondness towards"", "harboring love for", or "cherishing warm feelings for depending on the context".

Is it correct to say "having affection with" instead of "having affection for"?

No, the correct preposition to use with "having affection" is "for". "Having affection with" is grammatically incorrect.

What's the difference between "having affection for" and "being in love with"?

"Having affection for" suggests a gentle fondness or appreciation, while "being in love with" implies a much deeper and more intense emotional connection. The phrase "being in love with" is a significantly stronger sentiment.