specific liking

USAGE SUMMARY

"specific liking" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that someone has a strong preference in something. For example: My dad has a very specific liking for dark chocolate.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Having spent the last few hours reinstalling apps and customizing to my specific liking, I've noticed that using the multi-touch on the new Penryn MBP isn't what I imagine it to be.

TechCrunch

Macaws have a specific liking towards different sounds and mimicking it likewise.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Others are more specific, like Perlentaucher, a German cultural website.

The Economist

Incentives were put together that were ethnically specific, like the imitation caribou tote bags.

The New York Times

It is not disease specific, like groups that help those with mental retardation, or AIDS, or cancer.

The New York Times

But in the main, influence is not specific like this; it's subtle and twisting and complicated.

The Guardian - Books

He says, "I cannot give you a specific, like a specific aircraft, or what country we're gonna get them from.

The Guardian

"We don't really talk about football unless there's something specific like he's scored or I've scored.

Independent

"But at the last minute, it gets very expensive when you're looking for something specific like that".

The New York Times - Sports

What have you been up to?" or more specific like "Hey, it's Josh Constine.

TechCrunch

The email address can be very specific, like [email protected] or more general, like [email protected] or [email protected], for example.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "specific liking" when you want to emphasize that someone has a definite and clear preference for something.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "specific liking" might sound less sophisticated in formal writing. Consider using more refined synonyms like "particular preference" or "distinct fondness" for a more polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "specific liking" functions as a noun phrase, where "specific" modifies the noun "liking", indicating a particular or definite preference. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

50%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "specific liking" is a grammatically sound phrase used to denote a definite preference, although it occurs relatively rarely. As Ludwig confirms, it is correct and usable in written English. It's found in neutral contexts such as News & Media and Wiki sources. While acceptable, more refined synonyms like "particular preference" might be preferable in formal settings. To emphasize the clarity and strength of a person's liking, consider employing this phrase. To increase the vocabulary range, use the alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

particular preference

Replaces "liking" with "preference" and "specific" with "particular", emphasizing a distinct choice.

distinct fondness

Substitutes "specific" with "distinct" and "liking" with "fondness", highlighting a clear affection.

marked inclination

Replaces "specific" with "marked" and "liking" with "inclination", suggesting a noticeable tendency.

special predilection

Uses "special" instead of "specific" and replaces "liking" with the more formal "predilection", indicating a particular favor.

strong partiality

Emphasizes the strength of the preference using "strong" and replaces "liking" with "partiality", suggesting bias.

unique taste

Focuses on the individual's taste rather than a general liking, implying a personal standard.

individualized penchant

Highlights the personal aspect of the liking using "individualized" and replaces "liking" with "penchant", suggesting enthusiasm.

personal favoritism

Focuses on the aspect of favoritism instead of a general liking, often implying bias.

certain affinity

Replaces "specific" with "certain" and "liking" with "affinity", indicating a natural connection or attraction.

own soft spot

Expresses a gentle fondness or affection for something specific, often implying a personal connection.

FAQs

How can I use "specific liking" in a sentence?

You can use "specific liking" to describe a strong preference for something. For example, "My dad has a very "specific liking" for dark chocolate."

What are some alternatives to "specific liking"?

You can use alternatives like "particular preference", "distinct fondness", or "marked inclination" depending on the context.

Is "specific liking" formal or informal?

"Specific liking" is generally considered neutral but might lean towards the less formal side. For more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "special predilection".

Which is more common, "specific liking" or "particular preference"?

"Particular preference" is generally more common and versatile. "Specific liking" emphasizes the clarity and definiteness of the preference, whereas "particular preference" is widely used and more adaptable to many situations.