become attached to

USAGE SUMMARY

"become attached to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to refer to someone forming a strong emotional bond with something or someone. For example: "He had become attached to his pet dog after spending so much time with it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

When humans become attached to someone, they derive pleasure from the attachment, and their nucleus accumbens activate, she notes.

Science Magazine

"You become attached to them each year".

The New York Times

Do not become attached to possessions.

The New York Times

They even become attached to you.

The Guardian - Opinion

You can only become attached to people".

The New York Times - Tech

The tag of misogyny did become attached to your comedy.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Governments can become attached to banks they get their hands on.

The Economist

Because I had become attached to it, I was given special permission to keep it.

The New Yorker

When you become attached to that, you become its prisoner.' Ken Livingstone disagrees.

Independent

Yet it's impossible not to become attached to him and care about his fate.

The New York Times - Books

People generally like living near a firehouse, and become attached to the local firefighters.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, use "become attached to" to describe the process of forming an emotional bond, whether with a person, place, or object. Be mindful of the context to ensure it accurately reflects the development of affection or connection.

Common error

Avoid phrasing sentences with "become attached to" in a way that obscures who is feeling the attachment. Instead of saying "Attachment was become to the old house", specify who became attached: "They had become attached to the old house."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "become attached to" functions as a verb phrase indicating the process of forming an emotional bond or connection. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its use across different contexts, affirming its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

22%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Books

5%

Opinion

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "become attached to" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that describes the development of an emotional bond or connection. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and demonstrates its wide applicability across diverse contexts, from news and media to scientific research. The phrase carries a neutral tone, making it appropriate for both formal and informal communication. Remember to use it actively and avoid overuse of the passive voice for clarity. Consider alternatives like "grow fond of" or "develop an affinity for" to add nuance to your writing. By following these guidelines, you can confidently and effectively use the phrase "become attached to" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

form an attachment to

Similar in meaning, focusing on the creation of a bond.

develop a fondness for

Similar to growing fond of, but with a slightly stronger emphasis on affection.

grow fond of

Emphasizes the gradual development of affection.

bond with

Highlights the formation of a strong emotional connection.

develop an affinity for

Highlights a natural liking or connection.

grow close to

Indicates a deepening relationship or emotional connection.

take a liking to

Suggests an initial positive feeling that can develop further.

warm up to

Describes a gradual increase in positive feelings.

become keen on

Indicates a growing enthusiasm or interest.

get used to

Focuses on becoming accustomed or comfortable with something or someone.

FAQs

How can I use "become attached to" in a sentence?

You can use "become attached to" to describe the process of forming an emotional bond with someone or something. For example, "She began to "grow fond of" the stray cat and eventually "develop an affinity for" it."

What is an alternative to "become attached to"?

Alternatives include "grow fond of", "develop an affinity for", or "form an attachment to", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "became attached with" instead of "become attached to"?

No, the correct phrasing is "become attached to". The preposition "to" is essential for conveying the intended meaning of forming an emotional bond. "Become attached with" is grammatically incorrect.

What does it mean to "become attached to" something?

To "become attached to" something means to develop a strong emotional bond or affection for it. This can apply to people, objects, places, or even ideas. It implies a sense of connection and fondness.