loves of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "loves of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the various romantic interests or affections someone has experienced in their life. Example: "In her memoir, she reflects on the loves of her youth and how they shaped her understanding of relationships."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Friends were the loves of her life.

The New York Times - Books

"They had some shared loves of different artists," Kelly said.

The New Yorker

Into the Frame: The Four Loves of Ford Madox Brown.

The Economist

They were the loves of his life, just as poetry and painting were the loves of his life.

The New Yorker

But the loves of the gods, I ascertained, left her unmoved — and puzzled.

The New Yorker

But each maintained they were the loves of each other's lives.

The New York Times

Meanwhile, at BAM, the director's "Loves of a Blonde," from 1965, has a weeklong run.

The New Yorker

The loves of her life were her family and her art.

The New York Times

Wishing to seem sophisticated she remarks, "Those are the great loves of your life, I suppose".

The New Yorker

The reissued biography was shorter in length and retitled The Life and Loves of Laurie Lee.

Encyclopedia Britannica

They were the loves of each others' lives, though with innumerable supplements.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "loves of" to refer to multiple interests or passions, ensure the context makes it clear whether you are referring to romantic interests or other kinds of strong affections. Consider specifying with "romantic loves" or "professional passions".

Common error

Avoid using "loves of" solely for familial relationships if the context requires emphasizing diverse passions or romantic involvements. Using it exclusively for family might not convey the full range of affections.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "loves of" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase modifying a noun. It indicates the objects or subjects towards which someone directs their affection, passion, or strong interest. Ludwig examples show it can refer to people, activities, or abstract concepts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "loves of" is a common and versatile prepositional phrase used to express strong affection, passion, or dedication. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used. While it can refer to romantic interests, it also extends to cherished activities, hobbies, or other subjects of strong affection. Use context to ensure clarity, and consider alternatives like "passions for" or "affections for" to vary your expression. The phrase appears frequently in news and media, encyclopedias and wiki sources indicating broad applicability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deep affections for

Highlights the intensity of the feelings.

great fondness for

Indicates a significant degree of liking.

affections for

Emphasizes feelings of fondness or care, slightly more formal.

fondnesses for

Suggests a gentle and affectionate liking.

objects of affection

Highlights the targets or recipients of someone's love or fondness.

passions for

Focuses on intense enthusiasm or interest, rather than affection.

ardent passions for

Emphasizes intense and fervent feelings.

devotions to

Implies a strong sense of loyalty and dedication.

romantic interests

Specifically refers to people who are or were romantically involved.

things they adore

Refers to things that someone loves very much.

FAQs

How can I use "loves of" in a sentence?

You can use "loves of" to describe things or people someone cherishes, such as "The "loves of" her life were her family and her art" or "He combined his "loves of" genetics and yeast fermentation".

What's a good alternative to "loves of"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "loves of" include "passions for", "affections for", or "devotions to". Choose the phrase that best conveys the intensity and nature of the affection.

Is it correct to say "the love of my life" or "one of the loves of my life"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct. "The love of my life" implies there is only one such person, while "one of the "loves of" my life" suggests there have been or could be multiple significant loves.

Can "loves of" refer to non-romantic interests?

Yes, ""loves of"" can refer to strong interests, passions, or hobbies, not just romantic partners. For example, "The "loves of" his life were his gadgets and his children."