developing a fondness for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "developing a fondness for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing the process of gradually starting to like something or someone more over time. Example: "Over the past few months, I've been developing a fondness for classical music, finding it soothing and inspiring."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

I'm developing a fondness for L'Osservatore Romano on the back of this.

The Guardian - Opinion

You can't write about people this often without developing a fondness for them.

The New York Times - Books

Perhaps I will end up as a bird person after all; I am developing a fondness for those unexciting black ducks.

The Guardian

"Since you seem to be developing a fondness for taking action against people who disagree with you, can you set out the precise limits, as you see them, of free speech?" Mr Blair said smoothly that that had been an excellent example of the free speech all MPs were allowed.

The Guardian

For 28 of her 30 years on the staff of Duke's University Environmental Services, Biddings has worked at the building, keeping it clean and developing a fondness for the people who pass through it.

Duke University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

But London also developed a fondness for the harness.

The New Yorker

There, Hopper had also developed a fondness for guns.

The Guardian - Film

Especially as World Rugby, the sport's governing body, has developed a fondness for friendly fire.

Independent

To this end I've developed a fondness for carrying aluminium foil Ziplock pouches.

The Guardian - Travel

I met Anna, who had better coke than Phil and soon developed a fondness for me.

The New York Times - Magazine

Yet she developed a fondness for Mr. Skala's whimsical humor and his sincerity.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "developing a fondness for" when you want to emphasize the gradual and evolving nature of your affection or liking for something. It suggests a process rather than an immediate feeling.

Common error

Avoid using "developed a fondness for" when you mean you are currently in the process of liking something. "Developing" suggests an ongoing process, whereas "developed" implies the process is complete.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "developing a fondness for" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the gradual process of acquiring affection or liking towards something or someone. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is considered correct and usable in written English. It describes an evolving emotion, as shown in the provided examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "developing a fondness for" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression that indicates the gradual process of liking something or someone more over time. As stated by Ludwig, the phrase is considered correct and usable in written English. It is most frequently found in news and media, and academic contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that the tense aligns with your intended meaning. It’s a versatile phrase applicable in various scenarios, from describing personal feelings to professional observations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

taking a liking to

A more informal way to express the beginning of positive feelings.

growing attached to

Focuses on the emotional bond that is formed over time.

growing to appreciate

Focuses more on the intellectual or aesthetic recognition of value.

becoming partial to

Indicates a developing preference or bias towards something.

cultivating an affection for

Implies a deliberate effort to nurture positive feelings.

warming up to

Suggests an initial coldness that is gradually replaced by positive feelings.

nurturing a love for

Suggests actively fostering and developing deep affection.

starting to cherish

Suggests a developing sense of deep affection and protectiveness.

finding oneself drawn to

Implies an involuntary attraction or pull towards something.

acquiring a taste for

Specifically refers to developing a liking for something, especially food or drink, or some other sensuous experience.

FAQs

What's a simple way to define "developing a fondness for"?

It means gradually starting to like something or someone more over time. It conveys a sense of growing affection rather than an immediate strong emotion.

Are there any formal alternatives to "developing a fondness for"?

Yes, you could use phrases like "cultivating an affection for" or "growing to appreciate" which are more formal and suggest a more deliberate process.

Is it better to say "developing a fondness of" instead of "developing a fondness for"?

No, the correct preposition is "for". "Developing a fondness of" is grammatically incorrect. Always use "developing a fondness for" to maintain proper usage.

How can I use "developing a fondness for" in a sentence?

You can say, "She is "developing a fondness for" classical music" or "He's "developing a fondness for" the new coworker."