grown fond

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "grown fond" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a developing affection or liking for someone or something over time. Example: "Over the years, I have grown fond of the little town where I spent my childhood summers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

They have grown fond of it now.

The New Yorker

I'd grown fond of Kaylee.

The New Yorker

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

I've grown fond of both places, but I would take different sets of friends to each.

The New York Times - Food

More stories like that, and more of the characters you've grown fond of.

The Guardian

Statistics suggest, in fact, that they have grown fond of it.

The New York Times

She has grown fond of this word, which also appears on "Delicate".

The New Yorker

We had quickly grown fond of this cheerful, open-fronted restaurant on the busy Avenida Hidalgo.

The New York Times - Travel

The Knicks' president, Donnie Walsh, has grown fond of sighing when asked about his team's chances of landing Carmelo Anthony.

The New York Times - Sports

Government officials have grown fond of saying that things may have to get worse before they get better.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "grown fond" to describe a gradual development of positive feelings towards someone or something over time. It implies a gentle, evolving affection rather than an immediate attraction.

Common error

Do not use "grown fond" to describe an immediate liking or attraction. It is more appropriate for feelings that develop over a period of time.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "grown fond" functions as a verb phrase, typically used as part of a predicate to describe a state of developing affection or attachment. It indicates a change in feeling over time, as suggested by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Science

3%

Academia

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "grown fond" is a versatile and frequently used expression to describe the development of affection over time. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically sound and finds frequent use in diverse sources, mainly in News & Media. Its neutral register makes it appropriate for various contexts. When using "grown fond", consider the gradual nature of the affection and avoid using it for immediate attractions. Semantically similar phrases include "developed an affection for" and "become attached to". Overall, the phrase is a valuable tool for expressing nuanced feelings of fondness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

developed an affection for

Implies a gradual development of positive feelings, similar to "grown fond".

become attached to

Suggests a stronger emotional connection compared to simply liking something.

taken a liking to

Indicates the start of a positive sentiment, close in meaning to "grown fond".

developed a taste for

Focuses on developing a preference or enjoyment for something.

become partial to

Suggests a bias towards something, indicating preference.

warmed to

Implies an initial coolness that transitioned into fondness.

taken to

Suggests adopting a liking or habit.

grown to appreciate

Emphasizes the understanding and valuing of something over time.

cultivated an affinity for

Implies a more deliberate development of fondness.

become keen on

Indicates a strong interest or enthusiasm.

FAQs

How can I use "grown fond" in a sentence?

Use "grown fond" to indicate a gradual development of affection. For example, "Over the years, I've "grown fond" of this old chair", suggesting an attachment formed over time.

What's a good alternative to "grown fond"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "become attached to", "taken a liking to", or "developed an affection for".

Is it correct to say "I'm growing fond"?

Yes, "I'm growing fond" is correct and indicates that you are in the process of developing a liking for someone or something. It signifies an ongoing change in your feelings.

What is the difference between "grown fond" and "become fond"?

"Grown fond" emphasizes the gradual process of developing affection over time, while "become fond" simply states that the affection has developed, without necessarily highlighting the duration.