develop an appetite for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "develop an appetite for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the process of becoming interested in or enthusiastic about something, often related to food, knowledge, or experiences. Example: "Over time, she began to develop an appetite for classical music, attending concerts regularly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

To watch the video is to develop an appetite for soy.

The New York Times

Weinstein believes these streaming services feed and develop an appetite for independent films rather than sating it.

The Guardian

It is a recovery that seems to be strengthening, raising hopes that employers will at last develop an appetite for hiring.

The Economist

With expansionist powers such as Russia and China for neighbours, Kazakhstan's leader worries that some day someone will develop an appetite for its territory.

The Economist

Recently, POSCO, South Korea's largest steelmaker, gave warning of China "turning into a threat" as South Korean shipyards develop an appetite for cheap mainland steel.

The Economist

As credit markets begin to heal and once-wary bond investors develop an appetite for higher returns, they are beginning to stray from Treasury notes, sending yields sharply higher and potentially increasing the cost for the government.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

An outsider in a Wasp enclave, Kazan developed an appetite for revenge and its corollary, vindictive triumph.

The New Yorker

Just look at its acquisition of Motorola, or its development of Google Glass, and you see that the company increasingly has developed an appetite for making things.

TechCrunch

Tang developed an appetite for the classics.

The New Yorker

And so predators have developed an appetite for close encounters.

The New York Times

The public has developed an appetite for architecture that breaks the bland contextualist mold.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "develop an appetite for" to describe a gradual increase in interest or enthusiasm, not a sudden, immediate attraction.

Common error

Avoid using "develop an appetite for" when describing pre-existing or innate preferences; this phrase is best suited for describing tastes that evolve over time.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "develop an appetite for" functions as a verb phrase indicating the gradual acquisition of interest or enthusiasm towards something. It emphasizes a process rather than an immediate state. Examples from Ludwig show this phrase used to describe evolving interests in diverse areas, aligning with the general acceptance confirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Science

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "develop an appetite for" is a versatile phrase used to describe the gradual increase of interest or enthusiasm towards something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and widely accepted. Its neutral register and diverse applications, as evidenced by examples from sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, make it a valuable addition to any writer's repertoire. Remember to use it to describe evolving tastes and preferences rather than innate inclinations, and explore alternatives like "cultivate a taste for" or "grow fond of" to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

develop a taste for

Similar to "cultivate a taste for", focusing on gradual appreciation.

cultivate a taste for

Focuses on gradual appreciation, particularly for flavors or experiences.

acquire a liking for

Highlights the process of gaining an affinity for something.

gain an appreciation for

Highlights the process of understanding and valuing something.

grow fond of

Emphasizes affection and attachment over time.

become partial to

Suggests a preference developing over time.

become keen on

Implies a growing enthusiasm and interest.

form an affinity for

Suggests a natural connection or liking that develops.

start to fancy

Informal way of saying someone begins to like something.

get into

Colloquial term for becoming interested and involved in something.

FAQs

What does it mean to "develop an appetite for" something?

To "develop an appetite for" something means to gradually become interested in or enthusiastic about it, often implying a process of gaining appreciation over time.

How can I use "develop an appetite for" in a sentence?

You can use "develop an appetite for" to describe how someone's interests or tastes evolve, for example, "After taking the class, she began to develop an appetite for classical literature."

What can I say instead of "develop an appetite for"?

You can use alternatives like "cultivate a taste for", "grow fond of", or "acquire a liking for" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "develop a taste for" or "develop an appetite for"?

Both "develop a taste for" and "develop an appetite for" are correct and often interchangeable, though "develop an appetite for" may more broadly apply to non-food related interests. "Develop a taste for" is used for food and experience; "develop an appetite for" is also used for abstract interests.