growing fondness

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "growing fondness" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an increasing affection or liking for someone or something over time. Example: "As they spent more time together, she felt a growing fondness for him that she couldn't ignore."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

The second is his growing fondness for a young well-born midwife known as Miss Aibagawa.

The New York Times - Books

Yet a growing fondness for anonymous shopping (see also supermarket checkout bots) is giving new life to old tech.

Independent

But the combination of bad racing luck and Elliott's growing fondness for beer kept him in racing's hinterlands.

The New York Times

Despite Wall Street's growing fondness for medical robotics companies, plenty of health care providers and insurers are cautious.

The New York Times

The vacuum was filled with a growing fondness for the local-ish team of my boyhood, Queen of the South.

The Guardian - Opinion

36 The Rainbow Children 2001 ★★ Notable for Prince's growing fondness for the two Js: jazz and the Jehovah's Witness faith.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

Hornsby lacked confidence in Hendricks's ability to run the Cardinals, and the two men developed animosity towards each other as a result of Hornsby's growing egotism and fondness for former manager Huggins.

Wikipedia

They all adored Mr. Cayne when they met him, and the fondness grew exponentially.

The New York Times

I've grown into a fondness for naps.

Huffington Post

A genuine fondness grows between the girls and the Ledings, whose Grandma weeps as they leave, telling them they're "good girls".

Vice

His fondness for rhythm gradually resurfaced, growing stronger during his solo career.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "growing fondness" to subtly indicate an emotion that is not fully realized or acknowledged. This is particularly effective in narrative writing to create tension or hint at future developments between characters.

Common error

While "growing fondness" is perfectly acceptable, be mindful of using it excessively in formal reports or business communications. Opt for more neutral alternatives like "increasing interest" or "developing appreciation" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "growing fondness" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "growing" modifies the noun "fondness". It describes a state of increasing affection or liking. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

12%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Science

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "growing fondness" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to describe an increasing affection or liking for someone or something. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is suitable for various contexts, though primarily found in News & Media. While it is generally considered neutral, alternatives may be preferable in highly formal settings. Ludwig provides numerous real-world examples that demonstrate the phrase's versatility and proper usage. Understanding the subtle nuances of this phrase and its alternatives allows for more precise and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

increasing affection

Emphasizes the emotional aspect of the increasing liking.

developing affection

Highlights the gradual progress of affection.

increasing liking

A more straightforward and less emotional alternative.

developing liking

Similar to increasing liking, but with an emphasis on development.

growing attachment

Indicates a stronger emotional bond is forming.

developing appreciation

Focuses on an increasing understanding and valuing of something.

burgeoning affection

Uses 'burgeoning' to suggest a rapid and vigorous growth of affection.

emerging fondness

Suggests the fondness is just starting to appear.

escalating affection

Implies a more rapid and intense increase in affection.

heightening affection

Focuses on the increasing intensity or degree of affection.

FAQs

How can I use "growing fondness" in a sentence?

You can use "growing fondness" to describe an increasing affection or liking for someone or something over time. For example: "As they spent more time together, she felt a "growing fondness" for him that she couldn't ignore."

What are some alternatives to "growing fondness"?

You can use alternatives like "increasing affection", "developing liking", or "growing attachment" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "growing fondness" formal or informal?

"Growing fondness" is generally considered appropriate for both formal and informal contexts, though it leans slightly towards the less formal side. In highly formal settings, consider alternatives like "increasing appreciation".

What is the difference between "growing fondness" and "instant love"?

"Growing fondness" suggests a gradual increase in affection over time, whereas "instant love" implies an immediate and intense emotional connection. The key difference is the element of time and the gradual development of feelings.