develop a taste for

USAGE SUMMARY

"develop a taste for" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe the process of becoming accustomed to something, or the act of learning to enjoy something. For example, "She developed a taste for classical music after years of listening to it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Food

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

What is still not clear, however, is whether people are born with "musical neurons" or whether nerve cells develop a "taste" for music during childhood development.

Independent

They develop a taste for it".

The New York Times - Food

Wallace also began to develop a taste for journalism.

The New Yorker

Lord knows, they can develop a taste for us.

The Guardian

As people get older, they develop a taste for alcohol.

The New York Times - Style

Some might even develop a taste for French cheese.

The Economist

Youth who have never set foot in museums aren't likely to develop a taste for them.

The New York Times

Some cows develop a taste for it, others have to be force-fed.

The New York Times - Food

I'm just now starting to develop a taste for nostalgia as anesthetizing narcotic.

The Guardian - Music

It may be that, like me, you'll develop a taste for Bierzo that won't go away.

The New York Times

And there are the branded products we just develop a taste for.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing how someone "develop a taste for" something, provide context. Explain the circumstances or experiences that led to this change in preference to add depth and clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "develop a taste for" to describe an immediate liking. This phrase implies a process of gradual appreciation, not instant gratification.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "develop a taste for" functions as an idiomatic verb phrase. It indicates the gradual acquisition of a preference or liking. This is supported by Ludwig's AI, which confirms its correct and usable status. The examples show its use across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "develop a taste for" is a common and correct idiomatic phrase used to describe the process of gradually starting to like or appreciate something. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. It is most frequently found in news and media, with a neutral register suitable for various contexts. Alternative phrases include "acquire a liking for" and "cultivate an appreciation for". When using this phrase, remember that it implies a gradual process, not an immediate liking, and providing context can enhance clarity and depth. The phrase has a wide applicability and demonstrates a good command of idiomatic English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

acquire a liking for

Focuses on gaining a preference or fondness.

cultivate an appreciation for

Implies a more deliberate effort to understand and value something.

grow to enjoy

Highlights the gradual increase in pleasure derived from something.

become fond of

Suggests developing a warm or affectionate feeling towards something.

acquire a penchant for

Indicates developing a strong inclination or liking.

begin to relish

Emphasizes starting to savor or enjoy something deeply.

form an affinity for

Suggests creating a natural connection or liking.

get into

Informal way of expressing the process of becoming interested and engaged in something.

warm to

Describes gradually becoming more receptive and liking something.

take a shine to

Informal way of expressing a sudden liking or attraction.

FAQs

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

You can use "develop a taste for" to describe someone gradually starting to like something. For example, "After trying different wines, she "developed a taste for" dry reds".

What's a less common way to say "develop a taste for"?

A less common way to say "develop a taste for" is to "cultivate an appreciation for" something. This suggests a more deliberate and active process of learning to like something.

Is it correct to say "developed a liking for" instead of "develop a taste for"?

Yes, it is correct. "Develop a liking for" is a perfectly acceptable alternative and conveys a similar meaning of growing to enjoy something.

What is the difference between "develop a taste for" and "becoming fond of"?

"Develop a taste for" typically refers to acquiring a liking for something specific like food or art. "Becoming fond of" can apply to people, places, or things, implying a deeper emotional connection.