loved

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "loved" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this verb when you are expressing strong affection for someone or something. For example, "I have always loved my grandmother's cooking."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They loved it.

The New York Times - Arts

"He loved it".

The New York Times

"The audience loved it".

The New York Times - Arts

The crowd loved it.

The New York Times - Magazine

Much loved yet little read, for almost a century this strange, earnest and inconsolable novel has haunted the fringes of fiction.

The Economist

In his memoir, Kyle reportedly described killing as "fun", something he "loved"; he was unwavering in his belief that everyone he shot was a "bad guy".

The Guardian - Opinion

I think the customers that used to come to my home really loved the idea that they were having that personal service.

The Guardian

Click here to buy a ticket for any Guardian Masterclass, for yourself or a loved one.

The Guardian

He was a master of disguise who loved tweaking the nose of the police.

The Guardian

He is a member of the Richmond Tea Party but not of Code Pink, he said, adding that he "just loved" what the sticker said.

The Guardian

If I do undergo transplant surgery, I know it will mean that someone in his or her darkest moments of loss has reached out to a stranger and offered them a future with the gift of their loved one's organs.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "loved" to convey strong affection or appreciation for a person, object, or activity. Ensure the context aligns with the intensity of the emotion you wish to express.

Common error

In professional writing, consider alternatives like "appreciated" or "enjoyed" to maintain a formal tone, unless the strong emotion conveyed by "loved" is specifically intended and appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "loved" is a verb in the past tense, indicating a past action of feeling affection or strong liking. It can also function as a past participle used in passive constructions or as an adjective describing someone or something that is the object of affection. Ludwig confirms its versatility across different sentence structures.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "loved" is a versatile word functioning primarily as the past tense of the verb "love", but also serving as an adjective. It's used to express strong affection, enjoyment, or approval, as validated by Ludwig AI. The usage is very common in the English language, particularly in News & Media, although care should be taken to ensure its appropriateness in more formal contexts. Semantically similar alternatives include "adored" and "cherished". When writing, ensure that the context justifies the intensity of the emotion that "loved" conveys.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

adored

Implies a deeper level of affection and admiration than "loved".

cherished

Suggests a sense of treasuring and protecting something or someone.

treasured

Similar to "cherished", emphasizing the value and importance placed on something.

held dear

Highlights the personal significance and emotional connection.

was fond of

Indicates a gentle and affectionate feeling, less intense than "loved".

enjoyed greatly

Focuses on the pleasure and satisfaction derived from something.

had a soft spot for

Suggests a particular affection or fondness, often unexpected.

was passionate about

Emphasizes a strong enthusiasm and dedication.

took delight in

Emphasizes the joy and pleasure experienced.

was crazy about

Indicates an intense and perhaps irrational infatuation.

FAQs

How can I use "loved" in a sentence?

You can use "loved" to describe a strong feeling of affection or enjoyment. For instance, "She loved the book" or "They loved spending time together."

What are some alternatives to the word "loved"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "loved" include "adored", "cherished", "treasured", or "enjoyed".

Is "loved" the correct past tense of "love"?

Yes, "loved" is the standard past tense and past participle form of the verb "love".

When should I use "loved" as an adjective?

You can use "loved" as an adjective to describe someone or something that is the object of love or affection, such as "a loved one" or "a much-loved tradition".