special taste for

USAGE SUMMARY

"special taste for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a particular preference or liking for something, or for a specific flavor. For example, "John has a special taste for spicy food."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Food

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

"They have a special taste for the big car," Mr. Zhong said.

The New York Times

We must not forget that Verdi was from Emilia-Romagna, where there's a very special taste for life, very powerful, very bloody.

The New York Times

While our appetite for on-screen violence remains undiminished, we retain a special taste for what the French historian Philip Aries called "beautiful deaths" — victims whose charismatic innocence masks the disagreeable messiness of real deathbed scenes.

The New Yorker

While our appetite for on-screen violence remains undiminished, we retain a special taste for what the French historian Philip Aries called "beautiful deaths"—victims whose charismatic innocence masks the disagreeable messiness of real deathbed scenes.

The New Yorker

Mr. Bey, who is in his mid-50's and has long been a special taste for aficionados, is slowly entering that inevitable process for promising jazz players in the 1990's: reaching new audiences.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

In an unusually serious departure for the characteristically freewheeling and unpretentious festival, a special tasting for 150 people comparing zinfandels from six California regions will be held at Napa's new temple of the good life, Copia: the American Center for Wine, Food and the Arts.

The New York Times - Food

For a special taste of what Maine has to offer, the annual Harvest on the Harbor showcases the best of Maine food and drink.

HuffPost

Area chefs will gather under the Grand Tasting Tent for a special Taste! edition of small plates and samples from their restaurants.

Huffington Post

However, many still did consume wild products, motivated by a preference for the taste or their perceived properties: nearly all interviewees valued wild vegetables for the "variety" they provided in diets, and also for their "special taste".

Human Ecology

Kingfisher's eccentric tale is for a special taste but is charmingly amplified by Hellard's pen-and-ink drawings.

The New York Times - Books

And the brown tide first discovered in the Peconic Estuary in 1985 killed the bay scallops that were long known for their special taste.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a person's unique preferences, use "special taste for" to highlight their refined or unusual likings. For instance, "He has a special taste for vintage wines."

Common error

Avoid using "special taste for" when simply describing common preferences. This phrase is most effective when emphasizing unique or refined preferences, not general likes. For example, it is better to say "He enjoys coffee" rather than "He has a special taste for coffee" if he just likes regular coffee.

Linguistic Context

Special taste for primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, indicating a particular preference or liking. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is considered grammatically correct and usable in written English. It often modifies a noun or pronoun, specifying the object of the 'special taste'.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

Special taste for is a phrase used to denote a particular or refined liking for something. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's grammatically sound and effective for expressing nuanced appreciation. While not exceedingly common, it appears in reputable news sources, suggesting a register that's neutral to slightly professional. When writing, reserve "special taste for" for describing distinctive or refined preferences, rather than ordinary likes. Alternatives like "penchant for" or "preference for" may suit different contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

preference for

Highlights a choice or selection over other options.

penchant for

Suggests a strong inclination or liking, often implying a habit.

predilection for

Emphasizes a preference or bias toward something.

fondness for

Focuses on affection or warm liking, less about specific tastes.

inclination towards

Describes a leaning or tendency towards something.

affinity for

Implies a natural liking or attraction.

partiality to

Indicates a bias or favoritism.

appreciation for

Focuses on recognizing the value or quality of something.

love for

Conveys a deep affection, stronger than just a 'taste'.

attraction to

Suggests a pull or draw toward something.

FAQs

What does "special taste for" mean?

It refers to a particular liking or preference for something, often implying a refined or unusual appreciation.

How can I use "special taste for" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe someone's unique preferences. For instance, "She has a "special taste for" avant-garde cinema".

What's a good alternative to "special taste for"?

Alternatives include "fondness for", "penchant for", or "preference for", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "special taste for" formal or informal?

It's generally considered neutral to slightly formal, suitable for both news articles and sophisticated discussions.