Fond of or Fond for? Which Is Correct?

Quick Answer

"Fond of" is always correct. "Fond for" is a preposition error. Say "I am fond of music," not "I am fond for music."

The Rule

fond + of + noun / pronoun / gerund

"Fond" is an adjective with a fixed preposition: "of." It describes a liking or affection for someone or something. There is no situation where "fond for" is grammatically correct in standard English.

✔ Correct

  • fond of music
  • fond of her grandmother
  • fond of reading
  • very fond of cooking

✘ Incorrect

  • fond for music
  • fond for her grandmother
  • fond for reading
  • very fond for cooking

Examples

✔I am very fond of Italian food.
✘I am very fond for Italian food.
✔She is fond of her students and they know it.
✔He grew fond of the small town where he worked.
✔They are fond of hiking in the mountains.
✘Are you fond for animals?
✔Are you fond of animals?

Using "Fond of" to Express Degrees of Feeling

"Fond" describes a mild to strong liking. You can intensify it with adverbs:

  • • quite fond of: a moderate liking
  • • very fond of: a strong liking
  • • particularly fond of: a specific preference
  • • grow fond of: to develop a liking over time

"She became quite fond of her new neighbourhood."

"He is particularly fond of jazz music."

Common Mistakes

Incorrect: I am fond for reading novels.

Correct: I am fond of reading novels.

Incorrect: My grandfather was fond for old movies.

Correct: My grandfather was fond of old movies.

Practice

Fill in the blank with the correct preposition:

"My children are very fond _____ watching cartoons." (of / for)

Related Grammar