grow fond of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "grow fond of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that someone has developed a positive feeling towards someone or something over time. Example: After spending months getting to know her, I slowly began to grow fond of her.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

The question is, will these two cynics grow fond of each other when they've got their clothes on, too?

Independent

To get to know her, to grow fond of her, you had to spend a long time hanging around.

The New Yorker

And as Europeans grow fond of air-conditioning in cars and dentists' offices, more want it at home.

The New York Times

Power has real feeling for her characters, but to know them is not necessarily to grow fond of them.

The New York Times - Books

This season, Brown could share that role with Sanders, whom Roethlisberger seemed to grow fond of in multi-receiver sets down the stretch in 2010.

The New York Times

Some ranchers even grow fond of the animals they raise, no matter how abruptly these relationships may end at the stockyard gate.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

Alice starts to tire of her husband and grow fonder of Madgwick, who experiences mixed emotions in his continued interactions with her and Rodney.

Wikipedia

They have grown fond of it now.

The New Yorker

She grew fond of him.

The New York Times - Style

I'd grown fond of Kaylee.

The New Yorker

The couple's daughter grew fond of the hubbub.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a sudden or immediate liking, consider using alternatives like "take a liking to" or "become enamored with" instead of "grow fond of".

Common error

Avoid using "grow fond of" to describe an immediate or instantaneous attraction. This phrase implies a gradual development of affection over time.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "grow fond of" functions as a verb phrase, typically used as part of a predicate to express the gradual development of affection or liking towards someone or something. Ludwig provides numerous examples of its use in this manner.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Wiki

6%

Academia

6%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "grow fond of" is a grammatically sound and commonly used verb phrase to express the development of affection or liking over time. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides various examples from reputable sources. Its neutral register makes it suitable for diverse contexts, particularly in news and media. Remember to avoid using it for immediate attractions, as it implies a gradual process.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

develop affection for

Emphasizes a gradual emotional development.

become attached to

Focuses on forming a strong emotional bond.

take a liking to

Suggests a more immediate and less profound positive feeling.

warm up to

Implies an initial lack of enthusiasm that gradually changes.

grow to love

Indicates a deeper level of affection than "grow fond of".

become enamored with

Suggests a strong feeling of love and admiration.

cultivate an affection for

Implies a deliberate effort to develop positive feelings.

find oneself liking

Expresses a realization of developing positive feelings.

develop a soft spot for

Indicates a tender or sentimental affection.

begin to cherish

Implies a growing sense of value and protectiveness.

FAQs

How can I use "grow fond of" in a sentence?

The phrase "grow fond of" is used to describe the gradual development of affection or liking. For example: "Over time, she began to "grow fond of" the stray cat that visited her garden daily."

What are some alternatives to "grow fond of"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "develop affection for", "become attached to", or "take a liking to".

Is there a difference between "grow fond of" and "love"?

"Grow fond of" implies a milder form of affection that develops gradually. "Love" is a stronger, more intense emotion. You might "grow fond of" a new acquaintance before eventually "growing fond of" them.

Can "grow fond of" be used with inanimate objects?

Yes, "grow fond of" can be used with inanimate objects, especially when you develop an appreciation or attachment to them over time. For instance: "He began to "grow fond of" his old armchair, finding it the perfect place to relax after a long day."