became fond of

USAGE SUMMARY

"became fond of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when talking about someone developing an appreciation or liking for something or someone. For example: "John became fond of jazz music after seeing the concert last week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

Over the years, he became fond of New York.

The New Yorker

Indeed, Dr. Moon became fond of making that point himself.

The New York Times

And elderly residents quickly became fond of the location.

The New York Times

But gradually, I became fond of it, and now it's home.

Independent

He became fond of Mrs. DeCasiris, a heart patient in her early 40's.

The New Yorker

But as I grew older, I became fond of its sound.

The New York Times - Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

The Mohrs became fonder of the gondolas over time, and in 2004 decided to sell off their bigger boats and focus on their favorites.

Los Angeles Times

Perfectionism, I'd become fond of saying, is a particular form of unhappiness.

University of California, Berkeley

And Gabrielse has had ample time to become fond of the electron.

Harvard University

"Lately, I've become fond of L.A.," said Ms. Stevens, a native Southern Californian.

The New York Times

He became convinced that if the boxes had color people would become fond of them.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "became fond of" to describe a gradual development of affection or liking. It is suitable in both formal and informal contexts to express a positive emotional connection that has grown over time.

Common error

Avoid using "became fond of" excessively in passive constructions. Ensure the subject actively experiences the development of fondness, rather than being passively acted upon. For example, instead of "The gift was became fond of by him", write "He became fond of the gift."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "became fond of" functions as a verb phrase indicating the development of affection or liking towards someone or something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it accurately conveys a gradual positive emotional shift. The phrase often connects a subject with an object they grow to appreciate.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Academia

18%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "became fond of" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to describe the development of affection or liking. Ludwig AI validates its proper usage in various contexts. Appearing frequently in News & Media and Academic sources, it maintains a neutral register suitable for diverse writing styles. To effectively use "became fond of", ensure the subject is actively experiencing the development of fondness and avoid overusing it in passive constructions. Alternatives like "developed a liking for" or "grew to appreciate" can provide nuanced variations. By understanding its function and purpose, you can confidently incorporate "became fond of" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

developed a liking for

Indicates the start of enjoying something.

grew to appreciate

Highlights a gradual increase in understanding and valuing something.

cultivated an affection for

Emphasizes the intentional development of fondness.

took a shine to

Informal expression denoting sudden liking.

became attached to

Highlights the emotional bond established.

formed an affinity for

Emphasizes a natural connection or attraction.

warmed to

Suggests an initial reluctance overcome by growing fondness.

acquired a taste for

Indicates the development of enjoyment for something previously unappealing.

came to cherish

Highlights the high value and affection now placed on something.

discovered an admiration for

Emphasizes respect and positive regard.

FAQs

How can I use "became fond of" in a sentence?

You can use "became fond of" to describe someone developing an affection or liking for something over time. For example, "She "became fond of reading" after joining the book club."

What are some alternatives to "became fond of"?

Some alternatives include "developed a liking for", "grew to appreciate", or "took a shine to", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "became fond to"?

No, the correct phrase is "became fond of". The preposition "of" is essential for the phrase to be grammatically correct.

What's the difference between "became fond of" and "was fond of"?

"Became fond of" implies a change or development of affection over time, whereas "was fond of" simply states a past state of affection without necessarily implying a change. For instance, "He "became fond of classical music"" suggests he didn't initially like it, but now does, whereas "He "was fond of classical music"" simply states his past preference.