developing a liking for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "developing a liking for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing the process of starting to enjoy or appreciate something over time. Example: "At first, I wasn't sure about the new restaurant, but I'm developing a liking for their unique dishes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

It has not stopped him developing a liking for Lord's, however, where the wickets of Joe Denly and Adam Voges on an eventful opening day of Durham's latest visit took his tally to 28 wickets in five first-class appearances at headquarters, notably including his 5 for 38 against West Indies on his Test debut in 2009.

Independent

I ended up staying in that city for five or six weeks, practicing my phrase book Spanish on people who spoke Catalan and developing a liking for hotel living.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Although protected by Australian law, wombats have been shot as pests because they can develop a liking for farm food.

The New York Times - Books

Players often develop a liking for a particular arena or find extra motivation to play a particular opponent, and Sprewell has an affinity for Milwaukee, Allan Houston said.

The New York Times - Sports

Clearly, it developed a liking for psychedelic rock, and – as described late on in the book – accompanying doses of a certain "chemical which alter[s] reality".

The Guardian - Books

Educated at the Jesuit College of Grenoble, Vaucanson developed a liking for machinery at an early age, first in Lyon and later in Paris.

Encyclopedia Britannica

De Sitter studied mathematics at the State University of Groningen and then joined the astronomical laboratory there, where under J.C. Kapteyn's guidance he developed a liking for astronomy.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Retsina is made from pine resin and has a very distinct flavour; it needs to be drunk very chilled (some say to hide the taste); but most seemed to develop a liking for it by the third plastic cupful.

The Guardian - Travel

The leader's closest associate, V. M. Molotov, admitted that at the beginning Stalin struggled with his cult, but later on he developed a liking for it: "He was very reserved in the first years, and then he put on airs".

The New York Times

She copes with the less-than-welcome attentions of a spoiled and materialistic Buddhist monk, has a near romance with a charismatic expat and tries, without success, to develop a liking for emadatse, the "yak-cheesy, fiery-hot chili stew" that locals consume three times a day.

The New York Times - Books

Kumaran has developed a liking for Valli, and asks Kali for permission to marry her.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "developing a liking for" to describe a gradual shift in preference or enjoyment, particularly when someone initially had neutral or negative feelings toward something.

Common error

Avoid using "developing a liking for" when describing something you immediately enjoyed. The phrase implies a process of growing fondness, not instant gratification.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "developing a liking for" functions as a verb phrase indicating the gradual process of forming an affinity towards something. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in describing evolving preferences or tastes.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "developing a liking for" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a gradual increase in fondness or enjoyment. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is well-suited for expressing a change in attitude, typically used in neutral contexts, as seen in news articles and general writing. While synonyms like "growing fond of" or "acquiring a taste for" exist, the specific wording of "developing a liking for" emphasizes the developmental process of this appreciation. Therefore, ensure the context involves a genuine evolution of preference rather than immediate enthusiasm when employing this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

growing fond of

Indicates a gradual increase in affection or attachment, similar to developing a liking.

starting to enjoy

A simpler and more direct way of expressing the beginning of a positive experience.

acquiring a taste for

Implies that the liking is learned or developed over time, often in reference to food or other sensory experiences.

becoming partial to

Indicates a developing preference or inclination towards something.

warming up to

Suggests an initial reluctance followed by a gradual increase in liking.

cultivating an appreciation for

Suggests a more deliberate effort to understand and enjoy something.

getting into

Indicates a growing interest and enjoyment in something, particularly hobbies or activities.

taking a shine to

An informal way of saying someone is beginning to like something or someone.

forming an attachment to

Focuses on the emotional connection that develops.

growing to love

Expresses a gradual but deepening affection.

FAQs

What does "developing a liking for" mean?

It means starting to enjoy or appreciate something gradually over time. It suggests that the positive feeling wasn't immediate but has grown as a result of repeated exposure or experience.

What can I say instead of "developing a liking for"?

You can use alternatives like "growing fond of", "acquiring a taste for", or "starting to enjoy" depending on the context.

Is "developing a liking for" formal or informal?

It's generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal alternatives like "cultivating an appreciation for" might be preferred in some situations.

How do you use "developing a liking for" in a sentence?

For example: "Despite initial reservations, she is now "developing a liking for" the city's vibrant nightlife." or "The child is "developing a liking for" classical music after attending several concerts."