come to like

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "come to like" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a gradual development of affection or preference for someone or something over time. Example: "At first, I wasn't sure about the new restaurant, but I have come to like their unique menu."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Quite likely, he'll even come to like it.

HuffPost

"They'll come to like this place".

The New Yorker

(I've really come to like that term).

The New York Times

I had come to like him.

The Guardian

But that's not the Ovechkin people have come to like.

The New York Times - Sports

Rachel and the narrator gradually come to like each other.

The New Yorker

Most important, I've come to like who I am.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

I came to like me better, too.

The New Yorker

I came to like him.

The New York Times

I never came to like "Starbucked".

The New York Times - Books

But I quickly came to like it.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "come to like" to describe a gradual shift in preference or affection, especially when initial feelings were neutral or uncertain. This suggests a development over time rather than an immediate attraction.

Common error

Avoid using "come to like" in situations where you want to express an immediate liking or preference. This phrase indicates a process of gradual appreciation, not an instantaneous feeling.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "come to like" functions as a verb phrase indicating a gradual shift in preference or affection. It signifies a process where an initial feeling of neutrality or dislike evolves into fondness. Ludwig confirms that this is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "come to like" is a grammatically sound and commonly used verb phrase that describes a gradual development of fondness or preference. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable expression. It's particularly useful in describing a change in sentiment or attitude, highlighting a positive transformation over time. While versatile across various contexts, it appears most frequently in news and media sources. To diversify your writing, consider alternatives such as "grow fond of" or "develop a liking for" for similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

grow fond of

Emphasizes a gradual increase in affection or fondness.

develop a liking for

Highlights the process of developing a preference.

become partial to

Suggests a leaning or inclination towards something.

take a shine to

Informal expression indicating an immediate liking that grows over time.

warm to

Implies an initial reservation that diminishes over time, leading to acceptance or liking.

acquire a taste for

Specifically refers to developing a preference for something through repeated exposure.

be won over by

Suggests a change of heart due to positive experiences.

begin to appreciate

Focuses on the recognition of positive qualities that lead to liking.

find appealing

Highlights the discovery of attractive or pleasing qualities.

fall for

More intense expression of liking, often used in romantic contexts, but can apply more broadly.

FAQs

How can I use "come to like" in a sentence?

Use "come to like" to express a gradual development of fondness or preference. For example, "I didn't like coffee at first, but I've "come to like" it over time."

What's the difference between "come to like" and "like"?

"Like" expresses a current state of preference, while "come to like" suggests a process of developing that preference over time. "I like this" means you currently enjoy it, while "I've "come to like" this" indicates you didn't always enjoy it but do now.

What can I say instead of "come to like"?

Alternatives include "grow fond of", "develop a liking for", or "become partial to", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "I am coming to like"?

Yes, "I am coming to like" is grammatically correct and expresses that you are currently in the process of developing a liking for something. It implies that your feelings are changing over time.