“taste for” vs. “taste in”

Question

What is the correct usage of 'taste for' and 'taste in'?

1. You have a good taste for music
2. You have a good taste in music.
3. Your taste for books is pathetic

Answer 1

You would always say 'taste in' something. The only time I can think of where 'taste for' might be appropriate is if you are talking about having a craving for a certain food:

"I really have a taste for chicken tonight."

Answer 2

Taste for means a liking for or predilection for something. A taste for beer means a liking for beer, not necessarily any knowledge of beer.

Taste in (meaning 3 here) means the ability to distinguish the good from bad in some area of knowledge. Good taste in beer means the ability to tell good beer from bad.

Of your example sentences, the second is correct, as they all deal with discernment, and so taste in should be preferred.