out of fondness

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "out of fondness" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that an action is taken because of affection or liking for someone or something. Example: "She decided to help him out of fondness, knowing he was going through a tough time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

If I contribute a sm[all] sum, this happens only out of fondness for you.

Princeton University

She came for a last meal not out of fondness but to use a gift certificate.

The New York Times

He drank, sure, but not out of fondness but because of loathing, confusion, fear or pain.

The Guardian - Sport

That alone could make it hard for Mr. Brown to beat her, although a number of independents and even some Democrats could split their ticket out of fondness for Mr. Brown.

The New York Times

He was, everyone said, a well of scientific knowledge and had often been invited to teach at the university, but he had refused out of fondness for his students.

The New Yorker

Planas-Sitjà was drawn to cockroaches not out of fondness, but because they don't live in societies with leaders and followers social castes that can make it difficult to spot an individual's personality.

Science Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Over the years, our memories of Zaka's many irritations had softened and acquired the out-of-focus fondness of remembrance.

The New Yorker

He said he had created his Web site "out of a fondness for my readers," noting that he had many young readers who often sent e-mail to him.

The New York Times - Tech

One of the articles described out-of-town journalists' fondness for quoting a Florida International University professor abhorred by conservatives for saying Miami had some characteristics of "a banana republic".

The New York Times

The focal point of this historical gloss is the Ferus Gallery, which opened in 1957 and soon became a cultural hub with shows dedicated to local talent like Ed Ruscha, Robert Irwin, Ed Moses, Wallace Berman and Ed Kienholz and a then-unknown out-of-towner with a fondness for Campbell's Soup named Andy Warhol.

The New York Times

They insist that one day I will look back on these out-of-town tournaments with fondness.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "out of fondness", ensure the context clearly establishes the object or person for whom the fondness is felt. This adds clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "out of fondness" when a stronger emotion like love or devotion is more appropriate. "Fondness" implies a gentle affection, not deep passion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "out of fondness" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb. It indicates the motivation or reason behind an action, specifically highlighting that the action stems from affection or liking as confirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Academia

14%

Science

14%

Less common in

Wiki

14%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "out of fondness" is used to express that an action is motivated by affection or liking. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in various contexts, primarily in news and media. While "out of fondness" is not a highly frequent phrase, it effectively conveys a specific nuance that distinguishes it from stronger emotions like love. When writing, ensure the context makes it clear to whom or what the fondness is directed, and avoid using it when a stronger emotion is more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

out of affection

Direct synonym, using 'affection' instead of 'fondness'.

from affection

A more concise way to indicate that affection is the source of the action.

because of affection

Emphasizes affection as the direct cause or reason.

from a place of fondness

Adds a layer of emotional depth, suggesting a heartfelt origin.

due to affection

Similar to 'because of affection', highlighting affection as the cause.

inspired by affection

Focuses on affection as the source of inspiration for an action.

motivated by affection

Highlights affection as the driving force behind a decision or action.

driven by affection

Focuses on the motivational aspect of affection.

out of love

Emphasizes a stronger emotional connection than mere fondness.

because of a liking

Uses a less intense term ('liking') to convey a similar sentiment.

FAQs

How can I use "out of fondness" in a sentence?

Use "out of fondness" to explain that an action is motivated by affection or liking. For example, "She helped him "out of fondness", knowing he was struggling".

What's a good alternative to "out of fondness"?

Alternatives include "out of affection", because of affection, or driven by affection. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "from fondness" instead of "out of fondness"?

While "from fondness" can be used, ""out of fondness"" is the more common and idiomatic expression.

What's the difference between "out of fondness" and "out of pity"?

"Out of fondness" implies affection or liking, while "out of pity" suggests that the action is motivated by sympathy or sorrow for someone's suffering. They are based on completely different emotions.