develop an affection for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "develop an affection for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing the process of growing fond of someone or something over time. Example: "Over the years, I have developed an affection for classical music, finding it soothing and inspiring."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

It takes just a few days in Dhaka to acclimate, and to develop an affection for the city's impregnable streets.

The New York Times - Travel

So some big retailers are letting it be known that while they love newspapers, they could develop an affection for direct mail or smaller daily or weekly papers.

The New York Times

With wedding costs spiraling up everywhere and the tremors of a shaky economy threatening to rattle even the best-laid plans, more couples may have to become more resourceful — and develop an affection for sunflowers.

The New York Times

It is no wonder that Astana's new arrivals, mainly government officials and a few businessmen, have yet to develop an affection for the place.Although the Kazakhs grumble about Almaty, the capital it replaces, with its smog and risk of earthquakes, they are used to it and now speak of its virtues.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

The camera's viewpoint shifts as she develops an affection for him.

The New York Times - Arts

But he developed an affection for his neighbors, many of whom were elderly Jews.

The New York Times

And having developed an affection for New York in recent years, he upped sticks and plonked himself down in New York.

Independent

Dounia also develops an affection for a handsome (white) security guard at the local supermarket, who is training to be a dancer.

The Guardian - Film

One of them was purple and she had developed an affection for it, never using it on greasy pots or to wipe up nasty spills.

The New Yorker

The prime minister also developed an affection for Mr Adams and Mr McGuinness, despite all the damage the IRA did over the years.

The Economist

In the last year or so, growth in soda sales has slowed to a trickle, as consumers have developed an affection for a host of new drinks, from elaborate herbal concoctions to plain bottled water.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "develop an affection for" when you want to emphasize a gradual process of growing fond of something or someone. It suggests a change in perspective over time.

Common error

Avoid using "develop an affection for" when describing a sudden, intense attraction. "Infatuation" or "crush" might be more appropriate in those scenarios.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "develop an affection for" functions as a verb phrase indicating the gradual formation of positive feelings or fondness towards a person, place, or thing. Ludwig's examples showcase its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "develop an affection for" describes a gradual process of growing fond of something or someone. Ludwig AI indicates it's grammatically correct and usable across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While other alternatives exist, such as "grow fond of" or "become attached to", the original phrase effectively conveys a sense of evolving positive sentiment. It's a useful expression when you want to highlight a change in feelings over time.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

grow fond of

Emphasizes a gradual increase in liking.

feel affection for

A more direct way of expressing existing positive feelings.

become attached to

Highlights the emotional bond that forms.

form an attachment to

Similar to becoming attached, but can be used for both people and objects.

cultivate a fondness for

Suggests a more active and deliberate effort to like something.

take a liking to

Implies an immediate and spontaneous positive feeling.

warm to

Indicates a gradual increase in positive feelings, often after initial hesitation.

conceive a liking for

Highlights the beginning of the process of liking something.

acquire a taste for

Focuses on developing a liking for something previously disliked.

be drawn to

Suggests an almost magnetic attraction, not always rational.

FAQs

What does "develop an affection for" mean?

It means to gradually start liking or feeling fondness towards someone or something. It implies a process of growing attachment over time.

What are some alternatives to "develop an affection for"?

You can use alternatives such as "grow fond of", "become attached to", or "take a liking to" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "develop a deep affection for"?

Yes, it's perfectly correct. Adding "deep" emphasizes the intensity of the fondness that has developed. You could also say "develop a strong affection for".

How do I use "develop an affection for" in a sentence?

For example, you could say: "Over time, I "developed an affection for" the city's vibrant street life" or "She "developed an affection for" her quirky neighbor after many shared cups of tea".