take a shine to

USAGE SUMMARY

"take a shine to" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe a person or thing that one has taken a liking to. For example, "John quickly took a shine to the new student."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

And who will take a shine to suits that glimmer like asphalt on a wet road?

The New York Times

As for Nord Anglia, staff have failed to take a shine to their style.

The Guardian

But he did have a rakish smile, and he did take a shine to my wife.

The New York Times

"We'll be walking around and something will happen, and he'll take a shine to it and it'll come up years later.

The New Yorker

Perhaps Jürgen Zöllner, Berlin's new senator for education, who has a reputation for being innovative, will take a shine to the notion.

The Economist

Laura's life is changed for ever when she finds herself mixed up with some very scary gangsters who take a shine to her.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

(See: " China Takes A Shine To Rio").

Forbes

Chinalco bought 9% of Rio in February for $14.1 billion (See " China Takes A Shine To Rio").

Forbes

(See: "China Takes A Shine To Rio") It is reportedly in talks with regulators in Australia about bringing that stake up to 19%.

Forbes

The spirits take a shining to their youngest daughter, Carol Anne, and that's when all hell breaks loose… literally.

Huffington Post

They took a shine to each other.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "take a shine to" when you want to express a sudden or immediate liking for someone or something. It's best suited for informal contexts and adds a touch of personality to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "take a shine to" in highly formal or professional writing. Opt for more neutral alternatives like "develop an interest in" or "become fond of" to maintain a polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "take a shine to" functions as an idiomatic verb phrase, indicating the sudden development of fondness or liking. Ludwig's examples showcase how it's used to describe immediate positive reactions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

87%

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "take a shine to" is a common idiomatic phrase used to describe the sudden development of a liking or fondness. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and provides numerous examples from reliable sources. While mainly used in informal contexts, particularly in News & Media, it should be avoided in highly formal settings. Consider using alternatives such as "develop a liking for" or "become fond of" when a more polished tone is required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take a fancy to

Similar idiomatic expression, using "fancy" instead of "shine", implying a whimsical or capricious attraction.

develop a liking for

Replaces the idiomatic "shine" with the more literal "liking", resulting in a slightly more formal tone.

become fond of

Emphasizes the emotional aspect of developing affection, rather than simply noticing something positive.

grow to like

Highlights the gradual process of developing affection over time.

warm up to

Suggests an initial coolness or indifference that gradually changes to a warmer feeling.

be attracted to

Focuses on the attraction aspect, which can be physical or emotional, and is a more general term.

be keen on

Indicates enthusiasm or strong interest, rather than just a mild liking.

find appealing

Focuses on the qualities that make something attractive or desirable.

fall for

Stronger emotional commitment with romantic associations.

be impressed by

Highlights admiration and respect, rather than affection or fondness.

FAQs

How can I use "take a shine to" in a sentence?

You can use "take a shine to" to describe when someone quickly likes something or someone. For example, "The manager "took a shine to" the new employee's innovative ideas".

What does "take a shine to" mean?

"Take a shine to" means to quickly develop a liking or fondness for someone or something. It implies an immediate positive impression.

Is "take a shine to" formal or informal?

"Take a shine to" is an informal expression. It's best used in casual conversations or writing, rather than formal or professional contexts. In formal contexts, consider alternatives like "develop an interest in".

What are some alternatives to "take a shine to"?

Some alternatives to "take a shine to" include "develop a liking for", "become fond of", or "take a fancy to depending on the context".