mutual affection

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "mutual affection" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the feeling two people have for each other. For example, "The couple was married for over 60 years and had a strong bond of mutual affection."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The mutual affection overpowers it.

The New York Times

Many tenants expressed mutual affection.

The New York Times

Families came together in mutual affection.

The New York Times - Arts

Their mutual affection led to Victoria's Whig partisanship.

Britannica

With their beaks nudging each other playfully, the trio exudes energy and mutual affection.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

If their two-part harmonies sometimes wavered, their mutual affection overrode the technical glitches.

The New York Times - Arts

But in many classrooms the mutual affection came at the expense of academic rigor.

The New Yorker

But what about those occasions when you're left out of all that mutual affection?

The New York Times

As a measure of their mutual affection, each gave the other a namesake.

The New York Times - Books

Their mutual affection for golf was equaled by their shared detestation for terrorism.

The New York Times

But it is a relationship based on necessity, not mutual affection or respect.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "mutual affection" to describe relationships where positive feelings are reciprocated, like friendships, family bonds, or romantic partnerships. It highlights the balanced exchange of affection.

Common error

Don't use "mutual affection" when describing admiration for a celebrity or a one-sided appreciation. It only applies when the feeling is reciprocated.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "mutual affection" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It describes a feeling or emotion that is shared between two or more entities. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's correctness and usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

20%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "mutual affection" is a well-established and grammatically sound term used to describe shared positive feelings between two or more entities. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is commonly used across various writing contexts, primarily in news, media and academic settings. While alternatives such as "shared fondness" or "reciprocal warmth" exist, "mutual affection" aptly conveys the balanced exchange of positive feelings. Remember to use it appropriately to describe reciprocal relationships and avoid applying it to one-sided feelings. With a high expert rating and consistent usage across authoritative sources, mastering the use of "mutual affection" will enhance clarity and precision in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shared fondness

This alternative emphasizes the shared nature of the positive feeling, focusing on fondness.

reciprocal fondness

This alternative highlights the give-and-take nature of the positive feeling, focusing on fondness.

shared tenderness

This option emphasizes the gentle and caring aspect of the shared feeling.

reciprocal tenderness

This alternative highlights the give-and-take nature of the gentle and caring feeling.

shared warmth

This alternative focuses on the positive, comforting, and agreeable aspects of the feeling.

reciprocal warmth

This alternative highlights the give-and-take nature of the positive, comforting feeling.

bilateral fondness

This formal option indicates fondness existing between two parties.

common sentiment

This alternative is more general, indicating shared feeling or opinion.

joint affection

This phrase indicates affection held together or in common.

mutual devotion

This alternative suggests a deeper level of commitment and dedication compared to simple affection.

FAQs

How can I use "mutual affection" in a sentence?

You can use "mutual affection" to describe a relationship where two or more parties share positive feelings. For example, "Their "mutual affection" was evident in their constant support for each other."

What are some alternatives to "mutual affection"?

Alternatives include "shared fondness", "reciprocal warmth", or "joint affection". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "a mutual affection"?

While grammatically correct, it's more common and natural to simply use "mutual affection" without the article "a". The phrase typically refers to a general feeling or state rather than a specific instance.

What is the difference between "mutual affection" and "mutual respect"?

"Mutual affection" implies a feeling of fondness or love, while "mutual respect" indicates admiration and regard for someone's qualities or abilities. You can have "mutual respect" without "mutual affection", and vice versa, though they often coexist.