growing fond of

USAGE SUMMARY

"growing fond of" is correct and usable in written English.
It means to start to have affection towards something or someone. For example, "She has grown quite fond of her new job."

✓ 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

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

The Economist

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

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "growing fond of" to describe a gradual development of positive feelings towards someone or something. For example, "He started as a stranger, but I ended up growing fond of him."

Common error

Avoid using "growing fond of" to describe sudden or instantaneous feelings. This phrase suggests a gradual process rather than an immediate emotion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "growing fond of" functions as a verb phrase indicating the gradual development of affection or liking. Ludwig AI confirms the grammatical correctness and usability of this phrase. The examples in Ludwig illustrate its use in various contexts, reflecting a process of increasing affection.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "growing fond of" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that describes the gradual development of affection or liking. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It's most commonly found in news and media contexts, with a neutral register suitable for various writing styles. When using the phrase, ensure it reflects a gradual process rather than a sudden emotion. Alternatives like "developing an affection for" or "becoming attached to" can be used to add nuance. Remember that the correct form is "fond of", not "fond to". By understanding these nuances, you can effectively use "growing fond of" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

developing an affection for

Focuses on the gradual development of affection.

becoming attached to

Highlights the emotional bond that forms.

cultivating a liking for

Emphasizes the nurturing or deliberate aspect of developing a preference.

taking a shine to

An idiomatic expression denoting an immediate and favorable impression.

acquiring a taste for

Suggests the development of an appreciation, particularly for something initially disliked.

growing to love

Implies a stronger emotional connection than simply liking something.

warming up to

Describes a gradual increase in positive feelings or acceptance.

developing a passion for

Conveys a more intense and enthusiastic form of affection.

finding pleasure in

Highlights the enjoyment derived from something.

building an affinity for

Implies a natural connection or sense of kinship that develops over time.

FAQs

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

You can use "growing fond of" to describe a gradual development of affection or liking. For instance, "She started disliking classical music, but she ended up "growing fond of" it over time."

What are some alternatives to "growing fond of"?

Alternatives include "becoming attached to", "developing an affection for", or "acquiring a taste for", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "grew fond to" instead of "grew fond of"?

No, the correct idiomatic expression is "grew fond of". The preposition "of" is essential for the phrase to be grammatically correct.

What's the difference between "growing fond of" and "falling in love with"?

"Growing fond of" implies a milder, more gradual affection, while "falling in love with" suggests a more intense and passionate emotional experience.