develop feelings

USAGE SUMMARY

"develop feelings" is correct and usable in written English.
It means to grow or form emotions for someone or something. Example: He began to develop feelings for his coworker after working closely with her for several months.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In such play, children develop feelings for nature and creativity.

The New York Times

SmartToaster may develop feelings of loneliness and isolation due to its intelligence.

The New York Times

You are going to develop feelings for a soapy TV drama aimed at American teens.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

It's hard to develop feelings for Gunter one way or another.

The New York Times - Arts

François briefly wonders if he might even develop feelings for one of them, a Moroccan woman named Rachida.

The New Yorker

As you perform tasks for them or terrorize them by ransacking their home, the NPCs develop feelings about you.

The Guardian - Tech

Then she started to develop feelings for another student, she said, and sent an e-mail to her.

The New York Times

However, when she befriends a bubbly new girl called Jasmine at school, Megan starts to develop feelings which may threaten their friendship.

The Guardian

However, some backers are also prosocially motivated in that they develop feelings of liking for a certain venture and/or project team.

The Journal of Strategic Information Systems

And when we reflect on our own passions, we develop feelings about them.

SEP

During the process of continual interaction, employees may develop feelings of trust, confidence, and dependence toward their supervisors and coworkers.

Frontiers of Business Research in China

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context to choose the right alternative. While "develop feelings" is versatile, alternatives like "grow to love" or "form an attachment" may be more suitable in specific situations where the emotion is more defined.

Common error

While "develop feelings" is widely accepted, avoid overusing it in highly formal or scientific writing where more precise terms like "form an attachment" or "experience emotional responses" might be more appropriate. Consider the register of your writing and choose vocabulary that aligns with its formality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "develop feelings" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the process of emotional growth or the formation of affections. It describes how emotions gradually emerge and intensify, often in response to interactions or experiences. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

28%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "develop feelings" effectively conveys the gradual formation of emotions. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. While versatile, its use is most prominent in News & Media and Wiki contexts. For formal or scientific writing, consider alternatives such as "form an attachment" or "experience emotional responses" for greater precision. When used accurately, this phrase enriches the expression of emotional progression, making your writing more nuanced and engaging.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

begin to feel emotions

This alternative emphasizes the initial stage of experiencing emotions, highlighting the start of the emotional process.

start to have feelings

This variation focuses on the commencement of experiencing feelings, indicating the beginning of an emotional connection.

grow to love

This phrase specifies the emotion of love, implying a gradual increase in affection over time.

form an attachment

This term suggests the creation of a bond or connection, often implying a deep emotional tie.

become emotionally attached

This option highlights the process of becoming connected emotionally, underlining the emotional aspect of the relationship.

cultivate affection

This alternative suggests actively nurturing feelings of fondness or care, implying a deliberate effort.

acquire fondness

This phrase indicates the gaining of affection, emphasizing the element of acquiring positive feelings.

experience affection

This option underlines the subjective experience of affection, drawing attention to the emotional sensation.

feel drawn to

This suggests an attraction and emotional pull towards someone or something, implying a magnetic connection.

become enamored with

This phrase indicates falling in love or becoming captivated by someone or something, implying a strong sense of admiration.

FAQs

How can I use "develop feelings" in a sentence?

You can use "develop feelings" to describe the gradual growth of emotions towards someone or something. For example: "She began to develop feelings for her colleague after working closely together".

What can I say instead of "develop feelings"?

You can use alternatives like "begin to feel emotions", "grow to love", or "form an attachment" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "develop feelings for"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct and commonly used to express the gradual formation of emotions or affection towards someone or something.

What's the difference between "develop feelings" and "have feelings"?

"Develop feelings" implies a process of gradually forming emotions, while "have feelings" suggests a state of already experiencing emotions. "Develop feelings" describes the transition into an emotional state, whereas "have feelings" describes the state itself.