a growing liking for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a growing liking for" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe a gradual increase in affection or preference for something. Example: Over the past year, I've developed a growing liking for sushi. I used to dislike it, but now I can't get enough of it.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

In addition to using UK barley beer, Chinese fans have also developed a growing liking for British brands with £15 million worth of British beer exported to China last year.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

BHS revealed thats its financial plans are based on the business growing like-for-like sales by 1% in years two and three of a new three-year plan.

The Guardian - Business

We believe the key to the value simplicity strategy is growing like-for-like customer numbers and retaining loyal larger basket shoppers".

The Guardian - Business

There is a growing liking in the United States for wood-aged, artisanal cacha? a Brazilian spirit made with sugar cane juice.

The New York Times

While Debenhams grew like-for-like sales by 2.9 per cent over the 18 weeks to January, online revenues rocketed  by 39 per cent.

Independent

AMIM grew like-for-like revenues by 8.4% last year to £5.55bn, accounting for 44.5% of total revenues.

The Guardian

Its department stores (John Lewis & Partners) grew like-for-like sales by 1% over the Christmas period, with fashion sales up 6.8%, beauty products up 11.2%, and own-brand womenswear up 14.7%.

The Guardian - Business

A hair stylist came and cut off eight inches of my hair, which had been growing like kudzu for several years and was now nearing my waist.

The New Yorker

Uber, after growing like crazy for five years and fighting off government regulators, taxi companies and competitors, is in the middle of a self-inflicted public relations disaster.

Los Angeles Times

While academics would have you believe California growth is from "natural increase" (children born here magically are transformed into natives) the fact is California would not be growing like a Third World country but for immigration.

University of California, Berkeley

If by evil is understood this: an egotism that grew like a cancer – a lust for status and power and "significance" which metastasised through these murderers' brains.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a growing liking for" to describe a gradual increase in affection or preference, often in situations where the initial feeling was neutral or negative.

Common error

Avoid using "a growing liking for" to describe an immediate or sudden fondness. This phrase is best suited for describing a gradual change in preference.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a growing liking for" functions as a noun phrase, describing an increasing preference or fondness towards something. Ludwig provides examples illustrating its use in various contexts, confirming its function as a descriptor of evolving tastes or affections.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a growing liking for" is a grammatically correct phrase used to express a gradual increase in affection or preference. Ludwig AI validates this, confirming its common use in various contexts. While not the most frequent phrase, it's versatile and suitable for both neutral and informal registers. Alternative phrases like "a developing fondness for" or "an increasing taste for" can provide subtle variations in meaning. Remember to use it to describe gradual changes in preference, and you'll be well on your way to mastering this useful expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a deepening affection for

Replaces "liking" with "affection", conveying a warmer, more emotional connection.

a developing fondness for

Replaces "liking" with "fondness", implying a gentle and affectionate preference.

a strengthening affinity for

Employs "affinity" instead of "liking", suggesting a natural connection or attraction.

a burgeoning appreciation for

Substitutes "liking" with "appreciation", suggesting a more thoughtful and considered preference.

a growing partiality towards

Substitutes "liking" with "partiality", implying a bias or favoritism.

an increasing taste for

Uses "taste" instead of "liking", implying a preference, especially for food or cultural items.

a mounting enthusiasm for

Uses "enthusiasm" instead of "liking", suggesting a strong and active interest.

a rising interest in

Replaces "liking" with "interest", indicating curiosity and engagement.

a gradual inclination towards

Replaces "liking" with "inclination", indicating a tendency or leaning.

a progressive favor for

Employs "favor" instead of "liking", suggesting a positive regard or support.

FAQs

How can I use "a growing liking for" in a sentence?

You can use "a growing liking for" to describe a gradual increase in affection or preference. For example, "Over time, I developed a growing liking for jazz music".

What's a more formal alternative to "a growing liking for"?

A more formal alternative could be "a developing appreciation for" or "a strengthening affinity for".

What can I say instead of "a growing liking for"?

You can use alternatives like "a developing fondness for", "an increasing taste for", or "a rising interest in depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "a growing liking to" instead of "a growing liking for"?

No, "a growing liking for" is the correct grammatical structure. Using "to" instead of "for" would be incorrect.