develop a fondness for

USAGE SUMMARY

"develop a fondness for" is correct and usable in written English.
It means to grow to like something or someone. For example: She developed a fondness for the beach and now visits it every weekend.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Birmingham's restaurants have become a lure for people who go on to develop a fondness for the city.

The New York Times

They're old and unwanted, and as I'm from Detroit, where one can't help but develop a fondness for the forgotten, I find myself thinking of Old G.M. and its old plants even as press attention turns to the new company and the initial public offering that's supposed to help it pay off the $40 billion it still owes the government.

The New York Times

"You develop a fondness for people who have had varying degrees of privilege," he said, adding that he had sympathy and affection for those who were "prisoners of their trust funds," the tragic rich who never taste the stimulation of accomplishment.

The New York Times

So a show, for instance, where one character is named George Michael, one character is named Michael, one character is named George and one character is named George Oscar (and perhaps another character is named Oscar), will be the kind of show you can almost guarantee people won't develop a fondness for.

The Guardian

It was "2008 or 2009," says Keith, who works from home at his small downtown apartment, on the upper floor of a walkup building, and says that it didn't take long for him to develop a fondness for his furry visitor.

Huffington Post

Develop a fondness for Russian and Ukrainian cuisine.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

But London also developed a fondness for the harness.

The New Yorker

There, Hopper had also developed a fondness for guns.

The Guardian - Film

Especially as World Rugby, the sport's governing body, has developed a fondness for friendly fire.

Independent

I'm developing a fondness for L'Osservatore Romano on the back of this.

The Guardian - Opinion

Yet she developed a fondness for Mr. Skala's whimsical humor and his sincerity.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a gradual increase in positive feelings, use "develop a fondness for" to convey a growing affection or appreciation.

Common error

Be mindful that "develop a fondness for" suggests a pleasant appreciation, not an intense or obsessive preoccupation. Ensure your writing reflects the appropriate level of affection.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "develop a fondness for" functions as a verb phrase indicating the gradual growth of affection or liking towards something or someone. As Ludwig AI states, it is correct and usable in written English, describing a process of increasing affection.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Wiki

17%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Science

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "develop a fondness for" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase that describes the gradual growth of affection or liking. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct way to express this sentiment in English. While not extremely common, the phrase appears frequently enough in news, media, and general contexts to be considered recognizable and appropriate in numerous situations. Its neutral register makes it versatile for various types of communication, from casual conversation to more formal writing. Remember to use this phrase to convey a gentle appreciation rather than intense obsession, ensuring accurate emotional portrayal in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cultivate an affection for

Focuses on the deliberate nurturing of affection.

acquire a taste for

Implies a gradual appreciation, especially for something initially unappealing.

grow to love

Suggests a deeper, more profound emotional connection that develops over time.

become attached to

Highlights the formation of an emotional bond, often implying a sense of dependency.

take a liking to

Indicates an initial positive impression that evolves into a mild affection.

develop a passion for

Signifies the evolution into intense enthusiasm and desire for something.

build an affinity for

Highlights creating a natural connection or sense of kinship over time.

foster an appreciation for

Emphasizes the conscious effort to recognize and value the qualities of something.

form a soft spot for

Expresses a gentle, tender affection, often for something or someone vulnerable.

embrace a love of

Suggests an active and willing acceptance and enjoyment of something new.

FAQs

How can I use "develop a fondness for" in a sentence?

You can use "develop a fondness for" to describe a gradual increase in positive feelings toward something or someone. For example, "She "developed a fondness for" classical music after attending several concerts".

What can I say instead of "develop a fondness for"?

You can use alternatives like "acquire a taste for", "grow to love", or "take a liking to" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "developed a fondness for" or "developing a fondness for"?

Both ""developed a fondness for"" and "developing a fondness for" are correct, but they indicate different tenses. The first is past tense, indicating that the fondness has already grown, while the second is present continuous, indicating that it is currently in the process of growing.

What's the difference between "develop a fondness for" and "develop a preference for"?

"Develop a fondness for" implies a deeper emotional connection and affection, while "develop a preference for" suggests a more rational or practical choice or liking.