not fond of

USAGE SUMMARY

"not fond of" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means to not like something or someone very much. Example: I am not fond of spicy food. (This means that the person does not like spicy food very much.) Some other examples include: - She was not fond of her new boss. - They are not fond of public speaking. - He is not fond of horror movies.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I am not fond of robes.

The New York Times

He is not fond of Bush.

The New Yorker

Evans is not fond of the Dolphins.

The New York Times - Sports

I am not fond of decor changes".

The Guardian

Madani is not fond of this maneuver.

The New Yorker

The room is not fond of McCain.

The New York Times - Magazine

(Airman Gruber is not fond of Superman).

The New York Times

But they're not fond of American policies".

The New York Times

I actually was not fond of that shirt.

Independent

And I am still not fond of them now.

The New York Times

As a heavy drinker, he was not fond of teetotalers.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not fond of" to express a mild dislike or lack of enthusiasm, rather than strong aversion. This phrasing is suitable for polite and indirect communication.

Common error

While "not fond of" is generally acceptable, avoid overusing it in highly formal or professional writing. More direct or nuanced alternatives might be more appropriate for conveying precise feelings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not fond of" functions as a qualifying adjective phrase used to express a mild form of dislike or a lack of enthusiasm. As Ludwig AI confirms, this expression is grammatically correct and widely used. For example, someone might say "I am not fond of crowds" to indicate they don't particularly enjoy crowded places.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

20%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

4%

Science

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "not fond of" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to express a mild dislike or lack of enthusiasm. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and widespread usage across various sources. Its neutral register makes it suitable for a wide array of contexts, from casual conversations to more formal writing. While alternatives like "dislike" or "not keen on" exist, "not fond of" provides a softer, more indirect way to convey your feelings. Remember to use it appropriately, avoiding overuse in overly formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not keen on

Emphasizes a lack of enthusiasm or interest.

dislike

A more direct and general expression of not liking something.

not a fan of

An informal way to express a lack of enthusiasm or preference.

not partial to

Indicates a lack of preference or liking for something.

averse to

Suggests a strong dislike or opposition.

not inclined to

Implies a lack of willingness or desire.

have no taste for

Indicates a lack of appreciation or enjoyment.

not appreciate

A more formal way of saying you do not like something.

take no pleasure in

Emphasizes a lack of enjoyment or satisfaction.

cannot stand

Expresses a strong aversion or dislike.

FAQs

What does "not fond of" mean?

The phrase "not fond of" means that someone does not like something very much, or has a mild dislike for it. It's a more subtle way of expressing dislike than saying "hate" or "detest".

How can I use "not fond of" in a sentence?

You can use "not fond of" to express your mild dislike for something. For example, "I am not fond of spicy food", or "She is not fond of her new boss".

What can I say instead of "not fond of"?

You can use alternatives like "not keen on", "dislike", or "not a fan of" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "not fond of" or "dislike"?

"Not fond of" is milder and more indirect than "dislike". "Dislike" is a more direct expression of not liking something, while "not fond of" suggests a less intense feeling. The best choice depends on the situation and how strongly you want to express your feelings.