acquiring a taste for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "acquiring a taste for" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe the process of developing a liking or appreciation for something over time. Example: "At first, I didn't enjoy the flavor of black coffee, but after a few weeks, I found myself acquiring a taste for it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

One farmer recalls acquiring a taste for drinking human gall, even though it was bitter.

The New York Times

Other countries, such as India, Turkey, Brazil and Indonesia, are also acquiring a taste for power.

The Economist

But we won't make much of a difference by acquiring a taste for hideous, gnarly cucumbers.

The Washington Post

Articled first to a Westminster builder, Butterfield later spent three years with a Worcester architect, acquiring a taste for Gothic.

Encyclopedia Britannica

And the justices conduct themselves like modern-day philosopher-kings, dressed in robes and surrounded by forelock-tugging flunkies.But is the court acquiring a taste for modesty?

The Economist

That is, until one very big, very smart animal breaks the Primorye's longstanding people-tiger truce, acquiring a taste for humans and satisfying that taste in ugly fashion.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 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 "acquiring a taste for" to describe a gradual appreciation, not an immediate liking. For instance, "He acquired a taste for jazz after listening to it regularly".

Common error

Avoid using "acquiring a taste for" when describing an instant fondness. Instead of "He acquired a taste for the song immediately", opt for "He loved the song immediately".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "acquiring a taste for" functions as a verbal phrase, specifically an idiomatic expression. According to Ludwig AI, it describes the process of gradually developing a liking or appreciation for something. Examples show its use across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Encyclopedias

12%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Science

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "acquiring a taste for" is a common idiomatic expression used to describe the gradual development of liking or appreciation for something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It is most frequently found in news and media sources and carries a neutral register. While it suggests a process of change in preference, it shouldn't be used for describing instantaneous appreciation. Understanding its nuance helps in using it effectively in both formal and informal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

learning to enjoy

Simple and direct way to express the same concept.

developing a liking for

Focuses on the gradual development of fondness.

finding pleasure in

Focuses on the discovery of enjoyment.

growing fond of

Emphasizes the increase in affection or pleasure.

becoming partial to

Suggests a preference is forming.

warming up to

Suggests a gradual acceptance and liking.

cultivating an appreciation for

Highlights the effort involved in developing admiration.

developing a penchant for

Implies a strong inclination or liking.

embracing the appeal of

Emphasizes the acceptance of something attractive or interesting.

taking a shine to

Informal way of expressing sudden liking.

FAQs

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

You can use "acquiring a taste for" to describe the gradual development of liking something. For example, "She is "acquiring a taste for" spicy food after traveling to Thailand".

What are some alternatives to "acquiring a taste for"?

Alternatives include "developing a liking for", "growing fond of", or "cultivating an appreciation for", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

No, the correct idiomatic expression is "acquiring a taste for". Using "to" instead of "for" changes the meaning and is grammatically incorrect in this context.

What's the difference between "acquiring a taste for" and "liking" something?

"Acquiring a taste for" implies a gradual process of developing appreciation over time, whereas "liking" something suggests an immediate or inherent preference. For example, you might "like" ice cream from the first time you taste it, but you might need to work at "acquiring a taste for" black coffee.