developed something of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "developed something of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that someone has created or cultivated a particular quality, characteristic, or relationship to a certain degree. Example: "Over the years, she developed something of a reputation for her innovative ideas in the industry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

By graduation, he'd developed something of an ego.

The New York Times - Magazine

Mr. Jordan developed something of a difficult reputation during his White House years, as well.

The New York Times

Mr. Jordan (pronounced JER-dun) developed something of a difficult reputation during his White House years.

The New York Times

Lately, however, HBO seems to have developed something of a compulsion.

The New York Times - Arts

LOS ANGELES - DAVID O. RUSSELL had developed something of a reputation.

The New York Times

He had begun to play the piano, and had developed something of a sense of humour.

The Guardian

At which point the game developed something of an edge, a harbinger of things to come.

The Guardian - Sport

Like many other principals across the city, Edward Tom has developed something of a nervous habit.

The New York Times

In-line and roller skating has developed something of a cult following among the Foxconn strivers.

The New York Times

She has developed something of a national reputation, calling dances in Oregon, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Wisconsin, Maine and California.

The New York Times

Roth and Bellow had developed something of a friendly acquaintance by the time "The Ghost Writer" was published, in 1979.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "developed something of" to indicate a partial or gradual development of a characteristic, skill, or feeling. It's suitable when the development isn't complete or profound, such as "He developed something of a reputation for being reliable".

Common error

Avoid using "developed something of" when the development is significant or complete. Instead of saying "She developed something of expertise in the field", it's better to state directly "She developed expertise in the field".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "developed something of" functions as a qualifier, indicating that a quality, characteristic, or skill has emerged to a noticeable, but not necessarily complete or substantial, extent. This is supported by Ludwig AI, which confirms its correct usage. Examples from Ludwig show it used to describe reputations, skills, and relationships that are in progress.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "developed something of" is used to indicate a partial or gradual acquisition of a trait, skill, or characteristic. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and frequently used, especially in news and media contexts. It's a qualifier that softens statements, suggesting a degree of development without implying completeness. Related phrases, such as "acquired a degree of" or "cultivated a sense of", offer similar but nuanced ways to express partial development. This phrase is useful for expressing a moderate level of progress or attainment, making it a versatile tool in written communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

acquired a degree of

Focuses on the attainment of a certain level or extent.

cultivated a sense of

Emphasizes the gradual and intentional growth of a feeling or skill.

gained some measure of

Highlights the attainment of a specific quantity or degree.

formed a bit of

Suggests the creation of a small amount or instance.

established a semblance of

Implies creating an outward appearance or impression.

built up a certain amount of

Conveys a gradual accumulation over time.

achieved a level of

Focuses on reaching a specific standard or stage.

evinced a touch of

Implies a slight or subtle display of a quality.

exhibited a hint of

Suggests a faint or indirect indication.

picked up a modicum of

Emphasizes the acquisition of a small or limited quantity.

FAQs

How can I use "developed something of" in a sentence?

Use "developed something of" to show a partial or gradual progress in acquiring a skill, quality, or characteristic. For example, "He "developed something of" a knack for coding after taking a few online courses".

What are some alternatives to using "developed something of"?

You can use phrases like "acquired a degree of", "cultivated a sense of", or "gained some measure of" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey. Each suggests a similar, yet slightly different, way of indicating partial development.

Is it always necessary to use "something of" after "developed"?

No, it's not always necessary. Using "developed" alone implies a more complete or significant development. Adding "something of" indicates a partial or less complete development. Consider the level of nuance required in your writing.

What's the difference between "developed a skill" and "developed something of a skill"?

"Developed a skill" implies a complete or significant acquisition of the skill. "Developed "developed something of" a skill" suggests a beginning or partial development, implying that the skill is not yet fully realized.