form an attachment to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "form an attachment to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing the process of developing a bond or emotional connection with someone or something. Example: "Over time, she began to form an attachment to her new puppy, finding comfort in its presence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Although John's caseworker expects that he will form an attachment to an adoptive family, he will be a challenging child to parent".

The New York Times - Tech

"For a TV series to work, the audience has to form an attachment to the main characters and like them enough to want to spend time with them every week," he said.

The New York Times - Arts

When you grow up a baseball fan in one particular ballpark and then on more than the rare occasion go to work there, there is a tendency to form an attachment to the place.

The New York Times

And magicked by her relationship with him — "one of the great love stories of the twentieth century," Shloss calls it — she could never form an attachment to another man.

The New Yorker

And, despite living in Boston for fifteen years, in the seventies and early eighties, I could never form an attachment to the exquisitely disappointing Red Sox—I had more than enough existential suffering as it was.

The New Yorker

The nuns had told her that they have to keep moving from convent to convent so they don't form an attachment to worldly things, and poor Gelsomina's face had lit up, having glimpsed a state of grace in her own poverty and endless travel.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

One of the boarders, the student Rastignac, forms an attachment to Goriot's daughter Delphine, which the older man encourages.

The Guardian - Books

We started small, with my first daughter, aged seven, forming an attachment to a Sylvanian puppy that she carried in her pocket for about a year.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In an ideal world, we would have contact with all those who have formed an attachment to us, but unfortunately this isn't always realistic.

The Guardian - Opinion

The phenomenon of filial imprinting ensures that, in normal circumstances, the precocial infant forms an attachment to its mother and never moves too far away.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Told of Ms. Paglia's comments, Ms. Garber said: "She formed an attachment to me which didn't turn out the way she wanted it to work out, a crush.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about emotional connections, consider using "form an attachment to" to emphasize the development of a bond over time, rather than a fleeting feeling.

Common error

Avoid using "form an attachment to" excessively in your writing. While it's a valid phrase, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "develop a bond with" or "connect with".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "form an attachment to" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of creating a bond or emotional connection. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in describing relationships with people, places, and even objects.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "form an attachment to" describes the process of developing an emotional bond or connection with someone or something. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used in various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While the phrase is generally appropriate, it's essential to consider the context and vary your language to avoid repetition. Consider alternatives such as ""develop a bond with"" or "connect with" to add nuance and variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

become attached to

Similar meaning, but with a slightly less active connotation.

develop a bond with

Focuses on the gradual development of a connection, emphasizing emotional ties.

cultivate a relationship with

Highlights the effort and care involved in building a connection over time.

forge a connection with

Emphasizes the active and deliberate creation of a bond.

build rapport with

Focuses on creating a harmonious and understanding relationship.

grow fond of

Indicates a gradual increase in affection or liking.

establish ties with

Emphasizes the creation of formal or structured connections.

take a liking to

Suggests an immediate positive feeling or preference.

feel an affinity for

Suggests a natural and intuitive connection or liking.

connect with

A more general term for establishing any kind of link or relationship.

FAQs

What does it mean to "form an attachment to" something?

To "form an attachment to" something or someone means to develop a strong emotional connection or bond with them, often over a period of time.

How can I use "form an attachment to" in a sentence?

You can use "form an attachment to" to describe the process of developing an emotional bond. For example, "Children often "develop a bond with" their favorite toys."

What are some alternatives to saying "form an attachment to"?

Some alternatives to "form an attachment to" include ""develop a bond with"", "grow fond of", or "connect with", depending on the context.

Is it always healthy to "form an attachment to" things?

While forming attachments is a natural part of human experience, excessive or unhealthy attachments can sometimes lead to problems. It's important to maintain a balanced perspective.