grow to like

USAGE SUMMARY

"grow to like" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe the process of coming to enjoy something (or someone) more and more with time. For example, "I was hesitant about going to the new restaurant at first, but I've grown to like it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

And, importantly, one we might actually grow to like.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

You grow to like and trust people in Catalonia, but it never happens overnight, and never in a bar.

The New Yorker

If you grow up drinking beer with ice, Thai restaurateurs said, you can grow to like it.

The New York Times

She had found it wonderfully comforting around the house & she wondered if he wouldn't grow to like it.

The New Yorker

There is little tolerance for allergies as French children are expected to grow to like everything, he says.

The Guardian

There his prejudices would be confronted every day simply by coexisting with people whom he might grow to like and respect.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

She had grown to like basketball.

The New York Times - Sports

I grew to like her".

The Guardian - Film

So I grew to like Atlanta Falcons.

The Guardian - Sport

I have grown to like the experience.

The New York Times

"But they've grown to like Mike as a person".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "grow to like" when you want to emphasize the element of time and gradual development of a positive feeling. For instance, "Initially, I didn't enjoy the new job, but I've grown to like the challenges it presents."

Common error

Avoid using "grow to like" when describing immediate or instantaneous attraction. This phrase indicates a gradual development of fondness, not a sudden infatuation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "grow to like" functions as a verb phrase indicating a gradual development of affection or positive sentiment towards something or someone. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically correct and usable in written English. The examples show it used in various contexts to express how feelings evolve over time.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Wiki

21%

Lifestyle

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Sport

3%

Arts

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "grow to like" is a versatile phrase used to describe the gradual development of positive feelings. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and appropriate for various contexts. It's commonly found in news and media, reflecting its widespread use in describing evolving sentiments. When using this phrase, remember to emphasize the element of time and gradual change. While alternatives such as "become fond of" and "come to enjoy" exist, "grow to like" uniquely captures the process of developing affection over time.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

come to enjoy

Focuses on the resulting enjoyment after a period of adaptation or exposure.

become fond of

Suggests a gentle and pleasant development of liking, slightly less intense than "grow to love".

warm to

Indicates a gradual increase in positive feelings, often after an initial period of neutrality or slight dislike.

develop an affection for

Implies a gradual and deepening fondness, often used in more formal contexts.

acquire a liking for

Highlights the process of gaining a positive sentiment, emphasizing the change from a previous state.

begin to appreciate

Suggests a deeper understanding and valuing of something, leading to increased liking.

find appealing over time

Emphasizes the gradual discovery of attractive qualities that were not initially apparent.

cultivate a taste for

Refers specifically to developing an appreciation for something, often food or drink, that was initially unappealing.

take a shine to

An informal way of saying that you have quickly started to like someone or something.

find favor with

Indicates that something is gaining popularity or approval, often in a more formal setting.

FAQs

How can I use "grow to like" in a sentence?

Use "grow to like" to describe a gradual development of positive feelings towards someone or something. For example, "I didn't like coffee at first, but I've "grown to like" it over time".

What can I say instead of "grow to like"?

You can use alternatives like "become fond of", "come to enjoy", or "warm to" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "grew to like" instead of "grow to like"?

Yes, "grew to like" is the past tense form of the phrase. "Grow to like" is the infinitive form, while "grew to like" indicates that the process of developing affection has already occurred.

What's the difference between "grow to like" and "start to like"?

"Start to like" implies the beginning of a positive feeling, while "grow to like" suggests a more gradual and developed affection over time.