acquired a taste for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "acquired a taste for" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe the process of developing a liking for something that one did not initially enjoy. Example: "At first, I didn't like sushi, but over time, I acquired a taste for it and now I can't get enough."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

She also acquired a taste for filet mignon there.

The New York Times

Mr. Jarrett acquired a taste for $100 dinners.

The New York Times

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

The New Yorker

Few Chileans, however, seemed to have acquired a taste for vengeance.

The Guardian

"I've acquired a taste for silence," runs "Night Air", still Woon's finest three minutes.

The Guardian - Music

Ms. Ramirez's 3-year-old has acquired a taste for drumsticks, however.

The New York Times

It isn't that this fish isn't tasty, but we haven't acquired a taste for it".

The New York Times

I've acquired a taste for Beck's Dark; others enjoy saunas, rock-climbing, thrillers or dissonant music.

The New York Times - Magazine

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

The New York Times - Magazine

She acquired a taste for speed in cars, jets, skiing--until she fractured her leg.

The New Yorker

This interloper quickly acquired a taste for the island's native fox.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "acquired a taste for" to illustrate a gradual development of liking, often for something initially unappealing. For example, "He initially disliked classical music, but over time, he "acquired a taste for" it."

Common error

Do not use "acquired a taste for" when describing something someone has always liked. It's intended for tastes that develop over time. It would be incorrect to say, "She acquired a taste for chocolate," if she loved it since childhood.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "acquired a taste for" functions as a verb phrase indicating the gradual development of a liking or preference for something. As Ludwig AI explains, this implies that the initial reaction was neutral or negative, but over time, a positive affinity developed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

11%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

7%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "acquired a taste for" is a common and useful phrase to describe the process of developing a liking for something that was not initially appealing. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct. Its usage is versatile, appearing frequently in contexts such as news and media. When using this phrase, remember that it implies a change in preference over time, as opposed to an immediate liking. Alternatives such as "developed a liking for" or "grown fond of" can be used to express similar meanings. The phrase's neutral register makes it suitable for various writing styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

developed a liking for

Focuses on the process of developing affection.

grown fond of

Emphasizes affection that has developed over time.

cultivated an appreciation for

Suggests a more deliberate or refined development of liking.

become partial to

Suggests a developing preference for something.

taken to

A simple and direct way to express beginning to like something.

taken a shine to

An informal way to express developing an attraction or liking.

warmed to

Indicates a gradual increase in liking or affection.

developed a penchant for

Suggests a strong inclination or liking.

found pleasure in

Highlights the enjoyment derived from something.

embraced a fondness for

Emphasizes acceptance and affection.

FAQs

How can I use "acquired a taste for" in a sentence?

Use "acquired a taste for" to indicate that someone has developed a liking for something they didn't initially enjoy. For example, "Initially, she disliked coffee, but she "acquired a taste for" it after working long hours".

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

You can use alternatives like "developed a liking for", "grown fond of", or "cultivated an appreciation for" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say someone "acquired a taste to" something?

No, the correct expression is "acquired a taste for something". The preposition "for" is essential in this phrase.

What's the difference between "acquired a taste for" and "always liked"?

"Acquired a taste for" implies a gradual development of liking over time, whereas "always liked" suggests an immediate and consistent preference from the beginning.