growing fond

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "growing fond" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express the gradual development of affection or liking for someone or something over time. Example: "As the weeks went by, I found myself growing fond of the little town and its friendly residents."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

His retreat to Atlanta and a menial job that will at last allow him to write poetry feels oddly elegiac — a great leap backward into a New World that he was too busy growing into, and growing fond of, to notice becoming ancient.

The New York Times - Books

Living in Ramgarh, the jovial Veeru and cynical Jai find themselves growing fond of the villagers.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

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

She tolerated him, and then grew fond of him.

The New Yorker

But local residents quickly grew fond of the Ashokan.

The New York Times

As the years passed, his wife and growing family grew fond of the area.

The New York Times - Sports

Both teams had apparently grown fond of the few minutes' commute.

The New York Times - Sports

He is only 49, and he appeared to have grown fond of the trappings of power.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "growing fond" to describe a gradual increase in affection or liking over time. It's suitable when the emotion develops subtly rather than suddenly.

Common error

Avoid using "growing fond" to describe an instant attraction. This phrase is more appropriate for a gradual development of positive feelings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "growing fond" functions as a verb phrase indicating a process of developing affection or liking. The continuous form "growing" emphasizes the ongoing and gradual nature of this development. As Ludwig AI suggests, the phrase indicates a correct and usable expression in English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Science

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "growing fond" is a grammatically sound and relatively common phrase used to describe the gradual development of affection or liking. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It's important to use this phrase to indicate an increasing emotional connection, as opposed to a sudden attraction. The phrase appears most frequently in news and media sources, suggesting its neutral register and broad applicability. Related phrases include "developing affection", "becoming attached to", and "developing a liking for", each carrying slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

developing a liking for

A more direct and straightforward way of expressing increasing fondness.

developing affection

Focuses on the emotional aspect, implying a deeper connection than simply liking.

warming up to

Implies an initial reluctance or neutrality that gradually changes to positive feelings.

becoming attached to

Suggests a strong emotional bond, often implying a sense of dependence.

taking a shine to

An informal and idiomatic way of saying someone quickly became fond of something.

cultivating an appreciation

Emphasizes a conscious effort to value something, more formal.

taking a fancy to

Similar to "taking a shine to", implying a sudden and perhaps whimsical liking.

growing to love

Indicates a stronger emotional connection than just fondness.

developing a taste for

Often used for things that require acquired appreciation, like certain foods or activities.

fostering an affinity for

Suggests a natural connection or inclination that is being nurtured.

FAQs

What does it mean to say someone is "growing fond" of something?

It means that their affection or liking for that thing is increasing over time. It suggests a gradual development of positive feelings.

What are some synonyms for "growing fond"?

You can use phrases like "developing affection", "becoming attached to", or "developing a liking for" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "grow fond" instead of "growing fond"?

"Grow fond" is the base form, but "growing fond" is often used in progressive tenses to indicate an ongoing process. For example, "I am growing fond of this place".

How is "growing fond" different from "being in love"?

"Growing fond" implies a developing affection that might not yet be as strong as love. It suggests a budding positive emotion, while "being in love" signifies a more profound and intense connection.