grow affection

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "grow affection" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when describing the process of developing feelings of love or fondness over time. Example: "As they spent more time together, they began to grow affection for each other." Alternative expressions include "develop affection" and "cultivate affection."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

The growing affection between Anne and Ritwik is moving, surprising and entirely believable.

The Guardian - Books

But Diller and Scofidio were expressing a growing affection among younger architects for the architecture of the nineteen-sixties.

The New Yorker

His portrayal of a repressed aristocrat whose haughtiness hides his growing affection for Elizabeth Bennet earned Firth a devoted following.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Rosamond was discreet about her growing affection for Perry, but Carpenter must have known that he had lost the competition.

The New Yorker

For instance, Cohen tells me, US consumers' growing affection for bitterness has recently begun arcing towards the sour.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

No one will agree with, or even comprehend, all of his aversions, but his affections are easy to admire, especially his strong and growing affection for America.

The New York Times

"Every piece I have acquired has a tale to tell, and each acquisition has been the result of either a sudden passion or a slowly growing affection".

The New York Times - Arts

At first, Benz seems miscast as a broken-winged bird, but her anxious sweetness is winning, and Dexter begins to worry about his growing affection for her.

The New Yorker

We gain insight into the events that have shaped their lives, are given shadowy glimpses of their secret wounds, bear witness to the growing affection between them.

The New York Times

Even Peter's growing affection for Zendaya's MJ feels fresh and different in comparison with the character's previous vacillation between Mary Jane Watson and Gwen Stacy.

The Guardian - Film

Just in case there was any risk of growing affection for tax collectors among the American people, the Senate is now conducting hearings on I.R.S. abuses.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing relationships, use "grow affection" to illustrate a natural progression of positive feelings over time. For instance, "As they collaborated on the project, they began to "grow affection" for each other".

Common error

While "grow affection" is widely accepted, it may sound too informal for highly formal or technical writing. Opt for stronger, more precise verbs like "develop" or "cultivate" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "grow affection" functions as a verb phrase + noun, describing the process of developing feelings of fondness or love. As shown by Ludwig, the term is used to illustrate the gradual increase in positive emotions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

8%

Reference

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "grow affection" effectively conveys the gradual development of positive feelings, making it a versatile choice for describing relationships and attitudes. According to Ludwig, the expression is grammatically sound and widely used across various reputable sources. While "grow affection" is generally suitable for a range of contexts, writers should be mindful of their audience and opt for stronger alternatives in highly formal writing such as "develop affection" or "cultivate affection". Its widespread use and clear meaning contribute to its high rating for both source quality and expert approval.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

develop fondness

Focuses on the gradual development of liking someone or something.

cultivate affection

Implies a more deliberate effort to nurture affectionate feelings.

foster affection

Suggests actively encouraging the growth of affectionate feelings.

nurture affection

Emphasizes caring for and helping affection to develop.

build affection

Suggests a gradual construction of affectionate feelings.

gain affection

Focuses on becoming liked or loved by someone.

acquire fondness

Indicates a more passive development of liking someone or something.

form an attachment

Emphasizes the creation of a bond or emotional connection.

warm up to

Suggests a gradual increase in liking someone or something that one was initially indifferent to.

become fond of

Simply means to start liking someone or something.

FAQs

How can I use "grow affection" in a sentence?

You can use "grow affection" to describe the gradual development of feelings of love or fondness between people. For example: "Over time, they "grow affection" for each other".

What can I say instead of "grow affection"?

You can use alternatives like "develop fondness", "cultivate affection", or "foster affection" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "grow affection"?

Yes, it is correct. "Grow affection" is a common and acceptable way to describe the development of positive feelings between individuals or towards something.

What is the difference between "grow affection" and "develop affection"?

While both phrases are similar, "grow affection" suggests a more natural and organic progression, whereas "develop affection" might imply a more conscious or active process.