grow attached

USAGE SUMMARY

'grow attached' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe the development of a strong emotional connection or bond between two people or things over time. For example, "After working together for several years, the two coworkers had grown attached to each other."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

As a result you will grow attached to them.

The Guardian - Tech

Secretly, she was afraid she might grow attached to them.

The New Yorker

"When you travel around all the time, you can't grow attached to a place.

The New York Times - Tech

Many are epiphytes; i.e., they grow attached to tree branches or other supports.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The epiphytic species the ones that grow attached to tree limbs had been left on their branches.

The New Yorker

The more the American public gets to know players like Kuerten, the more they grow attached to them.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

The community has grown attached.

The New York Times

He said, "Well, obviously we've grown attached.

The New York Times

To be honest, I have grown attached to it.

The Guardian

Over the next few days I grew attached.

The New York Times

Lovenheim grew attached to one of them: the steer.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a gradual increase in affection, "grow attached" is more nuanced than simply stating "be attached". It highlights the process of forming a bond over time.

Common error

While "grow attached" can apply to objects, be mindful of overusing it, especially in formal writing. Consider alternative phrases like "develop a preference for" or "become reliant on" to avoid anthropomorphism.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "grow attached" functions as a verb phrase indicating a process of developing affection or emotional connection. It describes how someone or something gradually becomes important or dear to an individual or group. Ludwig confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

13%

Less common in

Wiki

13%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "grow attached" effectively conveys the gradual development of an emotional bond. According to Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts. While versatile, consider the level of formality needed; in some cases, alternatives such as "develop an affinity for" may be more suitable. Be mindful of overuse with inanimate objects. Overall, "grow attached" is a common and versatile phrase for expressing increasing affection.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

get attached to

A more colloquial variant with similar meaning.

form an attachment to

Emphasizes the creation of a bond or emotional connection.

become fond of

Focuses on the development of affection or liking for someone or something.

get close to

Indicates the development of a more intimate or personal relationship.

feel a connection with

Emphasizes the subjective experience of feeling linked or bonded to someone or something.

develop an affinity for

Highlights the growth of a natural liking or connection.

build a rapport with

Highlights the development of a harmonious relationship based on mutual understanding.

grow to love

Suggests a more profound and deeper emotional connection.

cultivate a fondness for

Implies actively nurturing a feeling of affection.

become accustomed to

Focuses on becoming used to or comfortable with someone or something over time.

FAQs

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

You can use "grow attached" to describe developing an emotional bond, as in "I "grow attached" to characters in books I read" or "The community has "grown attached" to the local park".

What can I say instead of "grow attached"?

You can use alternatives like "become fond of", "develop an affinity for", or "form an attachment to", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "grow attached" or "get attached"?

Both "grow attached" and "get attached" are acceptable. "Grow attached" implies a gradual process of developing feelings, while "get attached" can suggest a more sudden or immediate connection. The choice depends on the context.

What's the difference between "grow attached" and "become attached"?

"Grow attached" emphasizes the ongoing development of feelings, implying a gradual process. "Become attached" indicates a state of being attached, without necessarily highlighting the process of getting there. They are largely interchangeable, but "grow" adds a sense of progression.