strong affinity for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "strong affinity for" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to describe a strong attraction to or liking for something. For example: "John has a strong affinity for basketball and spends most of his free time honing his skills on the court."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He also feels a strong affinity for the men.

The New York Times

The paddy soils had a strong affinity for Cry1Ab proteins.

Pedosphere

He does have a strong affinity for Titus and his dry sense of humor, he said.

The New York Times - Sports

They have simply developed an unusually strong affinity for an artist and his music.

The New Yorker

Like many math geeks, Mr. Ballmer has a strong affinity for numbers.

The New York Times

During phone interviews last week, it was clear that both Fontaine and Long share a strong affinity for the water.

The New York Times - Sports

Sun and Horses 2. (C) President Nazarbayev, like many of his countrymen, has a strong affinity for horses.

The Guardian

Beckham retains a strong affinity for the game in the United States, having joined the Los Angeles Galaxy in 2007.

The Guardian - Sport

They also have a strong affinity for the outdoors, reflected in the aesthetic of the landscaped grounds and formal gardens.

The New York Times

Lastly, reminiscent of Grimaud and her interest in wolf conservation, Gould had a strong affinity for animals.

The New Yorker

"It attracts and retains folks who have a strong affinity for our natural heritage".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "strong affinity for" when you want to express a deep-seated liking or natural connection with something, whether it's an idea, a place, or a person. It suggests more than just a casual interest.

Common error

Avoid using "strong affinity for" when a simple "like" or "interest" suffices. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound pretentious. Consider whether the intensity of the connection truly warrants the use of "strong affinity" over a more straightforward expression.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "strong affinity for" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun. It describes a characteristic of that noun, indicating a strong and natural liking or connection. Ludwig AI examples show the phrase used to describe feelings towards people, places, ideas, and activities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

34%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "strong affinity for" is a versatile expression used to convey a deep-seated liking, natural connection, or inherent resonance with something. Grammatically sound and commonly employed, it functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun, signifying a characteristic beyond mere casual interest. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread usage across varied contexts. While alternatives like "deep affection for" or "keen interest in" exist, "strong affinity for" suggests a more profound and intrinsic connection. Ludwig's examples demonstrate that its formality leans toward neutral, suitable for both written and spoken communication, though overusing it can sound pretentious. Predominantly found in "News & Media" and "Science" according to Ludwig, the phrase carries an authoritative weight stemming from its frequent appearance in reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian. To summarize, "strong affinity for" is a valid and impactful way to articulate a deep and inherent connection, use it wisely to enrich your writing!

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deep affection for

Replaces "affinity" with "affection", implying a more emotional bond.

great fondness for

Substitutes "affinity" with "fondness", suggesting a pleasant liking.

strong liking for

Uses a more straightforward and common expression, replacing "affinity" with "liking".

keen interest in

Shifts the focus to interest rather than affinity, implying a desire to learn more.

natural inclination towards

Highlights a natural tendency or predisposition, replacing "affinity" with "inclination".

strong attraction to

Emphasizes the pull or allure something has, substituting "affinity" with "attraction".

close connection to

Focuses on the bond or relationship, where "affinity" is replaced with "connection".

profound appreciation for

Suggests a deeper understanding and valuing, changing "affinity" to "appreciation".

marked preference for

Indicates a clear choice or liking, substituting "affinity" with "preference".

inherent sympathy for

Implies an innate understanding and compassion, replacing "affinity" with "sympathy".

FAQs

How can I use "strong affinity for" in a sentence?

You can use "strong affinity for" to describe a deep-seated liking or natural connection. For example, "She has a "strong affinity for" classical music" or "He developed a "strong affinity for" the local culture during his travels."

What can I say instead of "strong affinity for"?

Alternatives include "deep affection for", "great fondness for", or "keen interest in" depending on the context. Consider the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "affinity for" or "affinity with"?

"Affinity for" is generally the preferred and more common construction when expressing a liking or connection to something. "Affinity with" is less frequently used and may sound awkward in many contexts.

What's the difference between "strong affinity for" and "strong liking for"?

"Strong affinity for" suggests a deeper, more inherent connection, while "strong liking for" is more straightforward and expresses a simple enjoyment. The former implies a natural bond or inclination, whereas the latter simply indicates a high degree of preference.