not of love

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not of love" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a sentiment or condition that is lacking love or is contrary to love. Example: "Her actions were driven by a desire for power, not of love."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Lifestyle

Academia

Film

Opinion

Social Care

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

Not of love perhaps, but of respect.

The Guardian - Sport

In it she dreams not of love but of God.

The Guardian - Arts

This relationship was not of love, but a product of force," Muinjangue added.

The Guardian

And yet that little voice nags away that this is a labour not of love, but of fealty.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The key line of "Everyday" is "Love like yours will surely come my way" — another intimation not of love but of unattained love.

The New Yorker

Now she sang not of love lived but of love remembered, as the memories of a woman who, as she proudly told me in San Joaquín, "never did anything halfway".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Italian billionaire Renato Soru Renato Soru wants all Europeans to speak the international language--not of love, but of Internet access.

Forbes

They don't want peace, and they're not capable of love.

The New York Times

They did not speak of love at the table, it is not the son's way.

The New York Times

Let's not talk of love or chains and things we can't untie.

Los Angeles Times

Not out of love for anybody else.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not of love" to clearly distinguish between actions or relationships motivated by love versus other factors like duty, obligation, or necessity.

Common error

Avoid using "not of love" when you simply mean 'unloved' or 'without love'. Ensure the context clearly indicates a contrast with an alternative motivator or foundation, rather than just the absence of love itself.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not of love" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun, adjective, or verb. According to Ludwig, it indicates negation of love as a source or characteristic. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its use in contrasting love with other motivations, such as respect or force.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

16%

Lifestyle

8%

Less common in

Arts

8%

Film

3%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "not of love" is a versatile expression used to denote the absence of love as a primary motivator or characteristic. Ludwig's analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage, primarily in News & Media and Academic contexts. When using this phrase, ensure you're clearly contrasting love with another underlying reason or emotion. Alternatives like "devoid of affection" or "without love" can also be used, depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. By understanding its communicative purpose and considering these alternatives, you can effectively use "not of love" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

without love

A simpler way to express the absence of love.

lacking in love

Directly states the absence of love as a characteristic.

a loveless arrangement

Directly states an agreement or situation where love is absent.

devoid of affection

Emphasizes the absence of warm feelings or caring.

not motivated by love

Indicates a different driving force than love behind an action or decision.

unloving

Describes something or someone that does not show love.

bereft of love

Highlights a sense of loss or deprivation of love.

founded on something other than love

Specifies that the basis is not love, implying an alternative foundation.

born of necessity

Suggests the relationship or action arose from a need rather than affection.

a relationship of convenience

Indicates the connection is based on practicality or benefit, not love.

FAQs

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

You can use "not of love" to describe a relationship, action, or feeling that stems from something other than affection, such as duty, obligation, or necessity. For example, "Their bond was "not of love", but of mutual respect".

What's a good substitute for "not of love"?

Alternatives include "lacking in love", "devoid of affection", or "without love", depending on the context. Each carries a slightly different nuance. Consider whether you want to emphasize the absence of love or an alternative foundation.

Is it better to say "not of love" or "without love"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "not of love" suggests a contrast with another motivating factor, while "without love" simply indicates the absence of affection. The best choice depends on the specific context you're trying to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "not of love" over other similar phrases?

Use "not of love" when you want to explicitly contrast love with another driving force or basis for a relationship, action, or decision. It's particularly effective when highlighting a sense of obligation or duty where affection is absent.