develop a sense of

USAGE SUMMARY

'develop a sense of' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that someone or something should gain a better understanding or awareness of something. For example, "During this time, it is important to develop a sense of patience and understanding."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

You develop a sense of pride, too".

The New York Times - Sports

"You develop a sense of where you are".

The New Yorker

Can't our dysfunctional politicians develop a sense of proportion?

The Guardian - Opinion

We must help young New Jerseyans develop a sense of place.

The New York Times

"Children need playgrounds that help them develop a sense of beauty," he said.

The New York Times - Arts

And in this way many people develop a sense of intimacy within it, even trust.

The New York Times

My wish is that in reading my books people develop a sense of community.

The New Yorker

Develop a sense of nostalgia for something, or you'll never figure out what's important.

The New Yorker

But maybe it's because he does develop a sense of moral mission.

The Guardian - Film

"You develop a sense of ownership of this place," says Findleton.

The Guardian

They get used to that and develop a sense of entitlement".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "develop a sense of", ensure the context clearly indicates what specific understanding or awareness is being cultivated. For example, "develop a sense of responsibility" is more effective than simply "develop a sense."

Common error

Avoid using "develop a sense of" in overly broad or vague contexts. Instead, specify the area or aspect where understanding needs to be improved. For instance, rather than saying "He needs to develop a sense of things", clarify it as "He needs to develop a sense of project timelines."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "develop a sense of" functions as a verb phrase that introduces the process of acquiring a specific understanding, awareness, or feeling about something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

17%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Wiki

7%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "develop a sense of" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to describe the process of acquiring understanding or awareness. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's widely applicable across various contexts, ranging from personal growth to professional skills. The phrase appears most frequently in "News & Media", scientific research, and academic discourse. When using this phrase, ensure that the specific understanding or awareness being cultivated is clearly defined to avoid vagueness. Alternatives like "cultivate an awareness of" or "gain an appreciation for" can provide nuanced variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cultivate an awareness of

Focuses on the process of growing awareness, suggesting a more deliberate effort.

foster an understanding of

Emphasizes nurturing a deeper comprehension of something.

gain an appreciation for

Highlights acquiring a positive perception or value for something.

acquire a feeling for

Focuses on obtaining an intuitive understanding or emotional connection.

build a recognition of

Suggests constructing a clear acknowledgement or understanding over time.

form an impression of

Emphasizes creating a mental image or opinion based on initial exposure.

establish a grasp of

Highlights securing a firm understanding or control of a concept.

grow to understand

Emphasizes a gradual process of comprehension and insight.

learn to recognize

Focuses on the process of becoming capable of identifying or perceiving something.

become attuned to

Highlights becoming sensitive or responsive to something.

FAQs

How can I use "develop a sense of" in a sentence?

You can use "develop a sense of" to indicate the process of gaining understanding or awareness. For example, "Through practice, you can develop a sense of rhythm" or "Reading widely helps develop a sense of different cultures".

What are some alternatives to "develop a sense of"?

Alternatives include "cultivate an awareness of", "foster an understanding of", or "gain an appreciation for", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "develop a sense for" or "develop a sense of"?

"Develop a sense of" is generally preferred and more grammatically sound. While "develop a sense for" might be used colloquially, "develop a sense of" is more formal and widely accepted in written English.

How does "develop a sense of" differ from "acquire a sense of"?

"Develop a sense of" implies a gradual process of growth and understanding, while "acquire a feeling for" suggests a more immediate attainment or realization of something. The former is about building, the latter about obtaining.