acquire a taste for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "acquire a taste for" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to convey the idea that you have developed a liking for something. An example sentence would be: "After trying sushi a few times, I acquired a taste for it".

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedia

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

The urban population and even prosperous peasants began to acquire a taste for new luxuries.

Encyclopedia Britannica

If we could acquire a taste for brown bananas, things would be different.

The Guardian

Never mind the cranberry sauce: did he ever acquire a taste for turkey?

The New York Times

Children begin to acquire a taste for pickled egg or fermented lentils early — in the womb, even.

The New York Times - Magazine

Maybe you grow into Groucho the same way you eventually acquire a taste for stilton and malt whisky.

The Guardian - Books

These internships provide invaluable opportunities for students to develop their skills, contribute to communities locally and globally, and acquire a taste for public service employment.

Harvard University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

Scoot has acquired a taste for tequila!

The New Yorker

Mr. Jarrett acquired a taste for $100 dinners.

The New York Times

She also acquired a taste for filet mignon there.

The New York Times

In the same period, he acquired a taste for provocation.

The New Yorker

But in New York Sona had acquired a taste for anonymity.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "acquire a taste for" when you want to emphasize that liking something is a process that takes time and exposure. For example: "He didn't like classical music at first, but eventually acquired a taste for it".

Common error

The phrase is "acquire a taste for", not "acquire taste". The 'a' and 'for' are essential for grammatical correctness and conveying the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "acquire a taste for" functions as a verb phrase indicating the gradual development of a liking or preference for something. As Ludwig AI shows, it's commonly used to describe the process of becoming fond of something previously disliked or unfamiliar.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Academia

14%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

2%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "acquire a taste for" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe the process of developing a liking for something over time. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English, suggesting it effectively conveys a gradual change in preference. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media contexts, with a neutral to informal register. When aiming for formality, alternatives like "develop an appreciation for" may be more suitable. Remember to use the complete phrase, including 'a' and 'for', to maintain grammatical correctness and clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Form a liking for

Similar to "acquire a taste for", but can also refer to people.

Grow to like

A simpler, more direct way of expressing the gradual development of liking.

Develop an appreciation for

Focuses more on understanding and valuing something, rather than just liking it.

Cultivate a fondness for

Implies a more deliberate effort in developing the liking.

Get into

A more informal way to express starting to enjoy something.

Warm up to

Suggests an initial reluctance followed by growing acceptance and liking.

Become accustomed to

Suggests adaptation and acceptance, not necessarily enjoyment.

Embrace

Indicates a complete acceptance and enthusiasm for something.

Take a shine to

An idiomatic expression indicating a sudden liking.

Get hooked on

Implies a strong, possibly addictive liking.

FAQs

How to use "acquire a taste for" in a sentence?

You can use "acquire a taste for" to describe developing a liking for something over time. For example: "Many people "grow to love coffee" after repeated exposure".

What can I say instead of "acquire a taste for"?

You can use alternatives like "develop an appreciation for", "cultivate a fondness for", or "grow to like depending on the context".

Is it correct to say "acquire taste" instead of "acquire a taste for"?

No, it is not correct. The correct phrase is "acquire a taste for". The articles 'a' and 'for' are necessary for the phrase to be grammatically correct and convey the intended meaning.

What's the difference between "acquire a taste for" and "get used to"?

"Acquire a taste for" implies developing a liking or enjoyment for something, while "get used to" simply means becoming accustomed to something, not necessarily enjoying it.