tenderness for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tenderness for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a gentle affection or compassion towards someone or something. Example: "She felt a deep tenderness for the stray animals she encountered on her walks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

He feels only tenderness for her now.

The New Yorker

He felt too much tenderness for that.

The New Yorker

Gary's tenderness for his parents is palpable.

The New York Times - Magazine

She felt a tenderness for her illusions.

The New Yorker

I was filled with tenderness for a car.

The New York Times

Do you think that Frame felt a tenderness for him?

The New Yorker

But he did feel a lot of tenderness for you.

The New Yorker

Ames expresses a great tenderness for this earthly life.

The Economist

"What I saw in it was a tenderness for the material.

The New York Times

The reader here learns how Tony Last's tenderness for this place is born of intimate knowledge.

The Guardian - Books

It's a powerful piece, full of a fierce tenderness for its lost souls.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "tenderness for" to express a gentle and caring emotion, often in situations where vulnerability or affection is present. It's particularly effective when describing feelings towards those who are suffering or in need of support.

Common error

Avoid using "tenderness for" in overly abstract or vague contexts. Ensure the object of the tenderness is clear and specific to maintain the emotional impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tenderness for" functions as a prepositional phrase that typically modifies a verb or noun. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and expresses a feeling of gentle affection or compassion towards someone or something. The examples provided by Ludwig showcase its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "tenderness for" is a grammatically sound and frequently used prepositional phrase to express gentle affection or compassion. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It is most commonly found in News & Media contexts. While suitable for both formal and informal writing, its emotive nature makes it less common in highly technical or scientific domains. When using this phrase, ensure the object of "tenderness" is clear and specific to maintain its emotional impact. Alternatives such as "affection for" or "compassion for" can be considered based on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deep affection for

Emphasizes the intensity and depth of the affectionate feeling.

affection towards

Focuses more on general liking and positive feeling.

fondness for

Indicates a gentle and affectionate feeling, often for things or activities.

compassion for

Emphasizes a deeper feeling of empathy and concern, particularly for those suffering.

kindness towards

Highlights the act of being friendly, generous, and considerate.

gentle feelings towards

A more descriptive phrase, highlighting the soft and kind nature of the feelings.

warmth towards

Implies a feeling of comfort, friendliness, and affection.

caring for

Highlights the act of providing care and support.

sympathy for

Focuses on understanding and sharing the feelings of another, especially in times of distress.

solicitude for

Indicates care or concern for someone's health or well-being.

FAQs

How can I use "tenderness for" in a sentence?

Use "tenderness for" to describe a gentle affection or compassion felt towards someone or something. For example, "She felt a deep tenderness for the stray animals" or "He expressed tenderness for his childhood home".

What's a good substitute for "tenderness for"?

Alternatives to "tenderness for" include "affection for", "compassion for", or "fondness for", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "tenderness for" formal or informal?

"Tenderness for" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it is generally more common in descriptive or narrative writing where emotional expression is appropriate.

When is it inappropriate to use "tenderness for"?

It may be inappropriate to use "tenderness for" in highly technical or clinical contexts where a more detached and objective tone is required. In such cases, consider using more neutral terms like "concern for" or "awareness of".