developed a weakness for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "developed a weakness for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that someone has started to have a fondness or affection for something, often unexpectedly or against their better judgment. Example: "Over the years, she developed a weakness for classic literature, often losing herself in the pages of old novels."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

He developed a weakness for watches.

The New York Times

His grades were average and he developed a weakness for fast cars and a taste for the Eurotrash look.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Steare, who has developed a tool for measuring character strengths, weaknesses and moral maturity – the MoralDNA profile – which has now been completed by more than 120,000 people across the world, said that a striking finding of his research was how far people's values changed when they were at work.

The Guardian

"We haven't developed a comprehensive strategy for addressing this weakness in our critical infrastructure," says Congressman Adam Putnam (Republican-Florida), who sits on a subcommittee on tech issues.

Forbes

"We haven't developed a comprehensive strategy for addressing this weakness in our critical infrastructure," says Congressman Adam Putnam (R-Fla)., who sits on a subcommittee on tech issues.

Forbes

For example, Clune (1998) developed a theoretical framework for case studies to identify the strengths and weaknesses of reform strategies policy and practice.

Language Testing in Asia

He has a weakness for puns.

The New York Times

Balmond has a weakness for dreamy jargon.

The New Yorker

I have a weakness for drawing New Yorkers.

The New Yorker

We have a weakness for faux celebrities.

The New York Times

It is a weakness for our sport.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "developed a weakness for" to express a fondness that may be slightly irrational or self-indulgent. It implies a growing affection that is hard to resist.

Common error

Avoid using "developed a weakness for" when describing a purely positive or beneficial liking. The phrase often implies a slight excess or indulgence, so ensure the context aligns with this nuance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "developed a weakness for" functions as a verb phrase indicating the gradual acquisition of a liking or fondness for something. As per Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and usable in written English. The examples show it's used to describe a growing inclination towards something, sometimes suggesting a slight indulgence.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "developed a weakness for" is a grammatically sound and usable expression that signifies the gradual growth of a fondness or liking, often with a hint of indulgence. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. While most commonly found in news and media contexts, it's essential to consider the subtle connotations of excess or irrationality when employing this phrase. For more formal settings, alternatives like "acquired a preference for" might be more appropriate. The examples highlight its use in describing preferences for various items or activities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

acquired a liking for

Implies a gradual development of fondness, similar to developing a weakness.

grown fond of

Suggests an increasing affection over time, much like developing a weakness.

cultivated a taste for

Highlights a deliberate or gradual development of preference.

become partial to

Indicates a preference or inclination towards something.

taken a fancy to

Implies a sudden or unexpected liking.

formed an attachment to

Suggests a deeper emotional connection or fondness.

become susceptible to

Emphasizes the vulnerability to the appeal of something.

succumbed to the allure of

Highlights the irresistible nature of something.

discovered an affinity for

Implies a natural connection or liking that was previously unknown.

started to favor

Indicates a growing preference over other options.

FAQs

What does it mean to say someone "developed a weakness for" something?

It means they started to have a particular fondness or liking for something, often unexpectedly or gradually. It suggests a growing inclination or affection that may be difficult to resist.

What are some alternatives to "developed a weakness for"?

You can use alternatives such as "acquired a liking for", "grown fond of", or "cultivated a taste for" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "developed a weakness for" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "developed a weakness for" has a slightly informal tone. In formal writing, consider alternatives like "acquired a preference for" or "demonstrated an inclination towards" for a more professional tone.

Can "developed a weakness for" be used in a negative context?

Yes, it can, especially if the "weakness" leads to negative consequences. For example, "He developed a weakness for gambling, which led to financial problems."