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I was wondering which preposition is the correct one in the following context:

  • My family and her family show love to themselves but I don’t have feelings ________ her and I try to look for other girls but I haven’t found anyone who can replace her and I want to settle down. We’re 3 years already in this relationship. Please help me.

a. for
b. to

The writer in the original paragraph used the preposition "for" while it is a little unidiomatic to me. I wonder if "have feelings for someone / something" is a fixed expression.

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    No native speaker would ever say “feelings to”. “Feelings for” is the correct phrase.
    – jwpfox
    Nov 27, 2020 at 2:12
  • Another word choice that you did not offer is “feelings about” which has a different meaning but could be used in the sentence if the relevant message was the intended message.
    – jwpfox
    Nov 27, 2020 at 2:14

1 Answer 1

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I agree with the author.

In this context, I wouldn't use "have feelings to someone" but I would typically use it when specifying a noun phrase such as "Her feelings of anger toward/towards him are inexcusable." So you have feelings for someone rather than to someone. This preposition here should be avoided.

The author's choice is perfectly idiomatic and acceptable.

It is considered a fixed expression.

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    Yes, have feelings for someone is a fixed expression meaning feel romantic love for them.
    – Kate Bunting
    Nov 27, 2020 at 8:44

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