love of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'love of' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a strong feeling of affection or passion for something, such as a person, activity or idea. For example, you could say "Her love of animals motivates her to donate to wildlife charities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The love of country.

The New Yorker

My love of sparkle.

The New York Times - Magazine

A love of wind".

Independent

Love of our land.

The New York Times

The unconditional love of millions.

Independent

For the love of God".

The New Yorker

The love of our lives.

The New York Times

The love of her life?

The New York Times

And his love of golf?

Independent

Would he share our love of reading?

The New York Times - Sports

The trip awakened her love of Africa.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "love of" to express a deep and meaningful appreciation for something. Ensure the object of your love is clearly defined and relevant to the context.

Common error

While "love of" is acceptable, overuse in formal contexts can sound sentimental. In academic or professional writing, consider more neutral alternatives like "interest in", "dedication to", or "focus on".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "love of" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig shows that it expresses a strong feeling of affection or passion. For example, "The love of country" or "His love of life was boundless."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

18%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

7%

Reference

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "love of" is a versatile noun phrase used to convey a strong feeling of affection or passion. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use, particularly in News & Media. While generally neutral in tone, more formal alternatives may be preferable in academic or professional settings. Common contexts include expressing affection for people, places, ideas, or activities. Remember to use it to convey a deep appreciation, but be mindful of overuse in certain contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

affection for

This alternative emphasizes a gentle fondness or caring.

passion for

This suggests an intense enthusiasm or compelling desire.

fondness for

This implies a warm and tender liking.

devotion to

This conveys a strong commitment and dedication.

zeal for

This suggests great energy and enthusiasm in pursuit of something.

admiration for

This implies a feeling of respect and approval.

enthusiasm for

This suggests lively interest and excitement.

taste for

This indicates a liking or preference for something.

inclination towards

This implies a natural tendency or preference.

penchant for

This suggests a strong liking or habitual preference.

FAQs

How do I use "love of" in a sentence?

Use "love of" to express a strong affection or passion. For example, "Her "love of" music led her to a career as a conductor."

What's a more formal alternative to "love of"?

In professional or academic contexts, consider alternatives such as "passion for", "dedication to", or "interest in". These options often convey a similar sentiment with a more neutral tone.

Is it correct to say "a love for" instead of "love of"?

While "love of" is more common and generally preferred, "a love for" can also be correct, especially when referring to a specific instance or expression of love. For example, "He has a "love for" classic literature."

Can "love of" be used for inanimate objects or abstract concepts?

Yes, "love of" can be used for both animate and inanimate objects, as well as abstract concepts. Examples include ""love of" nature", ""love of" learning", and ""love of" country".