grown fond of

USAGE SUMMARY

"grown fond of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use the phrase when you describe someone's growing fondness for something or someone. For example: "John has grown fond of reading classic literature books."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 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

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

The New York Times

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

The Guardian

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 of" to describe a gradual increase in affection or appreciation, especially when the initial feeling was neutral or slightly negative.

Common error

Avoid using "grown fond of" when describing an immediate or sudden liking. The phrase implies a process of developing affection over time.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "grown fond of" functions as a phrasal verb construction indicating the development of affection or liking over time. This is supported by Ludwig, confirming its correct usage. The phrase acts as a descriptor of a change in emotional state.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Wiki

5%

Academia

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "grown fond of" is a versatile phrase used to describe a gradual increase in affection or appreciation for someone or something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and widely accepted in written English. It's commonly found in news and media contexts and carries a neutral tone. To ensure proper usage, remember that it implies a process of developing affection over time, distinguishing it from immediate liking. Consider alternatives like "become attached to" or "taken a liking to" to more precisely convey your intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

developed an affection for

Emphasizes the development of a feeling of affection.

become attached to

Highlights the formation of an emotional bond.

taken a liking to

Suggests an initial attraction that has strengthened over time.

developed a taste for

Implies acquiring an appreciation for something, often something previously disliked.

come to appreciate

Focuses on the increasing understanding and valuing of something.

grown to love

Indicates a deeper level of affection compared to simply liking something.

warmed up to

Suggests an initial hesitance that has dissipated, leading to acceptance and fondness.

become a fan of

Highlights the development of admiration and support for someone or something.

cultivated an interest in

Emphasizes the deliberate development of interest and appreciation.

embraced

Suggests a complete acceptance and appreciation of something.

FAQs

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

You can use "grown fond of" to describe a gradual increase in affection. For example, "She had "grown fond of" the stray cat that visited her garden daily".

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

Alternatives include "become attached to", "taken a liking to", or "come to appreciate", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "I grow fond of"?

While grammatically correct, "I grow fond of" implies an ongoing process. "I have "grown fond of"" suggests a completed process leading to a current state of fondness, which is often more appropriate.

What is the difference between "grown fond of" and "started to like"?

"Grown fond of" implies a deeper, more emotional connection than "started to like". "Started to like" suggests a simple preference, while ""grown fond of"" suggests a developing affection.