special love for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "special love for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express a unique or particular affection towards someone or something. Example: "She has a special love for animals, often volunteering at the local shelter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

John used to have a special love for Charo.

The New York Times

Most Jews have a special love for the Seder.

The Guardian

Mr. Goswami had a special love for his family and friends.

The New York Times

Sebald had a special love for paintings: they are half object, half window into another world.

The New Yorker

"But I do not think they have a special love for their coins".

The New York Times

"I do think Germans have a special love for the mark," Mr. Welteke said today.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

5. Extra-special love for the Marc Jacobs cheap fetish shop set, with its padded shiny pillars and its mirrored floor.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"Hodda was a well-loved figure of the 11th arrondissement, with an unforgettable smile and a special love of life," reads the page for Hodda Saadi, one of the people killed last week, on the crowdfunding site Leetchi.

Huffington Post

Special love to Kodak and Motorola for supplying the prizes.

TechCrunch

The special love we have for one nation does not mean we don't give a damn about other nations.

Huffington Post

Coleman handles the split time frame expertly, mustering a special love-hate for the 1970's, and his portrayal of Prager redeems the corny notion of the haunted cop.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "special love for" to express a deep, personal connection or affection. For example, "She has a special love for classical music, often attending concerts." This phrasing emphasizes a unique and cherished interest.

Common error

Avoid overusing intensifiers like "very" or "really" before "special love for". Saying "very special love for" can sound redundant. Instead, let the phrase's inherent meaning convey the depth of affection.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "special love for" functions as a descriptor, indicating a particular fondness or affection towards someone or something. Ludwig AI suggests it's used to highlight unique connections or cherished interests. It acts as a noun phrase modifier.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "special love for" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to convey a distinct fondness or affection, as validated by Ludwig AI. Appearing frequently in news and media, it maintains a neutral register suitable for diverse contexts. While alternatives like "deep affection for" or "particular fondness for" exist to subtly shift the emphasis, "special love for" remains a clear and effective way to express a cherished connection. Remember to avoid redundant intensifiers like "very" to maintain clarity and impact in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

particular fondness for

Focuses on a gentle and affectionate preference.

deep affection for

Emphasizes the intensity and depth of the feeling.

strong passion for

Highlights an enthusiastic and intense interest or devotion.

keen interest in

Suggests a strong intellectual engagement or curiosity.

great admiration for

Implies respect and approval, in addition to affection.

profound appreciation of

Emphasizes a deep understanding and valuing of something.

unwavering devotion to

Highlights steadfast commitment and loyalty.

intense attraction to

Suggests a powerful emotional or physical draw.

personal attachment to

Emphasizes a sentimental or emotional connection.

distinct preference for

Highlights a clear choice or inclination.

FAQs

What's a good way to use "special love for" in a sentence?

You can use "special love for" to describe someone's particular fondness or affection towards something. For example, "He has a "special love for" vintage cars" or "She has a "special love for" her grandmother's recipes."

How does "special love for" differ from "deep affection for"?

"Special love for" implies a unique and personal connection, while "deep affection for" suggests a profound and tender feeling. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What are some alternatives to "special love for" that I can use in my writing?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "particular fondness for", "strong passion for", or "keen interest in".

Is it grammatically correct to say "a very special love for"?

While grammatically correct, adding "very" before "special love for" can be redundant. The phrase "special love for" already implies a heightened level of affection, so "very" may not be necessary.