Like any other language, English functions best when its parts are correctly connected.<\/p>\n
During grammatical evolution, parts of speech have bonded with certain prepositions for concise expression. An exacting writer observes these couplings and upholds their intended use and integrity.<\/p>\n
The noun \u201caffinity\u201d (a natural connection or attraction to a person or thing) is but one example of prepositional mating that calls for closer attention. In most applications today, we often hear and use \u201can affinity for<\/em>\u201d someone or something.<\/p>\n In the past, keeping in step with style arbiters such as Theodore M. Bernstein (The Careful Writer<\/em>), GrammarBook has advised against attaching \u201cfor\u201d to \u201caffinity\u201d (Words in Flux<\/a>). However, we also realize language is fluid: Over time, the writing and speaking majority determine what will or won\u2019t stay\u2014i.e., what is a fad and what isn\u2019t.<\/p>\n \u201cAffinity\u201d and \u201cfor\u201d have become attached at the hip\u2014so much so we recognize their lasting union. At the same time, the exacting writer will acknowledge that \u201caffinity\u201d has other prepositional partners to which it\u2019s tied for accuracy. In addition to \u201cfor,\u201d \u201caffinity\u201d combines with \u201cbetween,\u201d \u201cwith,\u201d and \u201cto.\u201d<\/p>\n If you are expressing a natural attraction toward someone or something, you will use the now accepted \u201cfor.\u201d This pairing most often follows the verbs \u201chave\u201d and \u201cfeel\u201d: \u201cI feel an affinity for<\/em> Jack\u2014we\u2019ve been friends for 20 years,\u201d \u201cShe has an affinity for<\/em> politics and current events.\u201d<\/p>\n If you are describing the whole of a good relationship, you would use \u201cbetween\u201d: \u201cJack and John have an affinity between<\/em> them.\u201d If you are writing of the same relationship from one party\u2019s viewpoint, you would use \u201cwith\u201d: \u201cJack enjoys an affinity with<\/em> Sam.\u201d<\/p>\n So far the examples convey an easily identified interest or appeal. If you find someone to be different from you but you\u2019re still drawn to that person, you feel an affinity to<\/em> him or her: \u201cBob feels an affinity to<\/em> Richard even though their thoughts compete.\u201d The same applies to things: \u201cHer style is strictly postmodern, but she admits an affinity to<\/em> expressionist art.\u201d<\/p>\n The following are a few more examples of correct word-preposition pairs:<\/p>\n ability at <\/em>(doing), with<\/em> (something)<\/strong> emigrate from; immigrate to, into<\/em><\/strong> adverse, averse to<\/em><\/strong> noun: contrast to <\/em><\/strong>(opposite);<\/strong>\u00a0noun, verb:\u00a0contrast\u00a0with <\/em><\/strong>(different) In contrast with<\/em> Joseph’s strict adherence to written procedure, Sarah believes in allowing some interpretation.<\/p>\n Philip\u2019s sidearm throw when he\u2019s fielding the ball contrasts with<\/em> his straight overhand delivery when he\u2019s pitching.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n This short list will further help you maintain your mission of written precision:<\/p>\n
\nJoseph shows great ability at<\/em> solving complex equations.
\nJoseph shows great ability with<\/em> mathematics.<\/p>\n
\nJohann emigrated from<\/em> Germany to the United States in 1984.
\nJohann immigrated to<\/em> the United States from Germany in 1984.<\/p>\n
\nElizabeth is averse to<\/em> running on pavement because it\u2019s adverse to<\/em> her knees.<\/p>\n
\nCatherine\u2019s conservative views present a stark contrast to<\/em> Irene\u2019s liberal beliefs.<\/p>\n