become fond of

USAGE SUMMARY

"become fond of" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when talking about developing an affinity or liking toward a person or thing. Example: She quickly became fond of the neighborhood cats and fed them daily.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

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

The New Yorker

Playing the chimes for Baura, Ms. Binetsky has become fond of Ms. Rivera, too.

The New York Times

It didn't take me long to become fond of Alfred's appearance.

The New York Times - Books

But he had become fond of Kamotolo, who was the right age to be his son.

The New Yorker

The campaigns have become fond of those teaser e-mail messages.

The New York Times

However, police also suggested Natascha might have become fond of Priklopil over her years of captivity.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

It is possible that the SNP will in time become fonder of the Commons, and its ways than they now believe or admit.

The Guardian - Opinion

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "become fond of" to describe a gradual development of affection or liking, rather than an instantaneous attraction.

Common error

While "become fond of" is generally acceptable, avoid using it excessively in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more sophisticated alternatives like "develop an affinity for" or "cultivate an appreciation of" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "become fond of" functions as a verb phrase indicating a process of developing affection, attachment, or liking toward someone or something. Ludwig confirms its correct usage. For example, 'He became fond of Mrs. DeCasiris'.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Wiki

11%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "become fond of" is a versatile phrase used to express the gradual development of affection or liking. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in written English. Its register is generally neutral, making it appropriate for a wide range of contexts, particularly news and media, as evidenced by the numerous examples provided. While alternatives like "take a liking to" and "grow to like" exist, "become fond of" strikes a balance between formality and approachability, making it a common and reliable choice for describing evolving positive sentiments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take a liking to

Indicates an immediate positive feeling or preference.

grow to like

Focuses on the process of developing a liking over time.

warm to

Implies an initial coolness that gradually transforms into liking.

develop an affection for

Implies a gradual growth of liking or love.

become attached to

Suggests a stronger emotional connection than simply liking.

find oneself liking

Emphasizes the surprise or unexpectedness of developing a liking.

conceive a fondness for

A more formal way of expressing the development of affection.

begin to cherish

Suggests a deeper level of appreciation and protectiveness.

acquire a taste for

Specifically refers to developing a liking for something through repeated exposure or experience.

be captivated by

Indicates being charmed or strongly attracted to something or someone.

FAQs

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

You can use "become fond of" to describe developing an affection or liking for something. For example: "She "became fond of" the stray cat after feeding it for a week".

What can I say instead of "become fond of"?

You can use alternatives like "take a liking to", "grow to like", or "develop an affection for" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "became fond to" instead of "became fond of"?

No, the correct preposition to use with "fond" in this context is "of". "Became fond to" is grammatically incorrect. You should always use ""became fond of"".

What's the difference between "become fond of" and "becoming obsessed with"?

While both phrases describe a strong interest, "become fond of" implies a gentle affection or liking, whereas "becoming obsessed with" suggests an excessive and potentially unhealthy preoccupation.