to develop a sense of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to develop a sense of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the process of cultivating an understanding or awareness of something, often in a personal or emotional context. Example: "The workshop aims to develop a sense of community among participants."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

And for better or worse, this will enable the infant to develop a sense of self.

The Guardian - Opinion

And in order to do this, we need to develop a sense of humour.

Independent

Then, gradually, they began to develop a sense of aesthetics, playing with form, colour and texture.

The Guardian - Arts

He has had years to develop a sense of entitlement and the rich man's capricious and demanding manner.

The Guardian - Film

"One of our goals is to develop a sense of stewardship about the river in our viewers," she said.

The New York Times

But encourage your children to develop a sense of proportion, to think about the nature of risk.

The Guardian - Opinion

In New York, Mr. Tsubaki, 43, said, "it was hard to develop a sense of community outside of work".

The New York Times

Its paramount purpose was to develop a sense of moral sensitivity and duty toward people and the state.

Britannica

The geographical limits will enable us to develop a sense of the local organization of knowledge production.

Columbia University

That's where I learnt how to develop a sense of inner timing to bring people and a production to a peak for the performances.

The Guardian

"Somewhere along this nutrition-gym thing, I started to develop a sense of, I don't know, a sense of confidence," he said.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to develop a sense of", ensure the object of the phrase (what you are developing a sense of) is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "to develop a sense of" when a more precise verb like 'learn', 'understand' or 'master' would be more appropriate. "Sense" implies intuition or feeling, not just factual knowledge.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to develop a sense of" functions as an infinitive phrase, often used as part of a verb phrase. As noted by Ludwig AI, it describes a process of cultivating or acquiring a particular awareness or understanding.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

35%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to develop a sense of" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that describes the process of cultivating or acquiring a particular awareness or understanding. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s appropriate for various contexts, ranging from formal academic writing to general news reporting. The phrase is generally neutral in tone and implies a gradual development of intuition or feeling. When writing, ensure that the object of your "sense" is clear and that the word "sense" accurately reflects the intended meaning. Alternatives like "to cultivate an awareness of" or "to gain an understanding of" may be more suitable depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to cultivate an awareness of

Focuses on a gradual and intentional growth of understanding.

to foster an appreciation for

Highlights the positive valuation and understanding of something.

to gain an understanding of

Emphasizes the acquisition of knowledge and comprehension.

to build an awareness of

Suggests a step-by-step construction of understanding.

to nurture a feeling for

Implies a gentle and supportive growth of emotional connection.

to acquire a sensitivity to

Highlights the development of a refined perception.

to form an impression of

Focuses on the initial development of an idea or belief.

to construct a perception of

Emphasizes the active building of a viewpoint.

to evolve an understanding of

Highlights the gradual transformation of comprehension.

to encourage an attitude of

Focuses on promoting a specific mindset or disposition.

FAQs

How can I use "to develop a sense of" in a sentence?

You can use "to develop a sense of" to describe the process of gaining an understanding or appreciation for something. For example, "The course is designed to help students "to develop a sense of" empathy".

What are some alternatives to "to develop a sense of"?

Alternatives include "to cultivate an awareness of", "to foster an appreciation for", or "to gain an understanding of", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use "to develop a sense of" or "to gain a sense of"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "to develop a sense of" implies a more gradual process of growth, while "to gain a sense of" suggests a more immediate acquisition of understanding.

How does "to develop a sense of" differ from "to develop an understanding of"?

"To develop a sense of" often refers to an intuitive or emotional understanding, while "to develop an understanding of" focuses on a more cognitive and intellectual comprehension.