warm to

USAGE SUMMARY

"warm to" is correct and usable in written English.
It is an informal expression typically used to mean "become favorably disposed to or accepting of something". For example, "Alice initially had reservations about the plan, but over time she warmed to it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I wanted something warm to ski in.

The New York Times - Sports

People just don't warm to him.

The New York Times

The public did not warm to it.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But Robinson did not warm to Walker.

The New York Times - Sports

You warm to him, even.

The Guardian - Film

You warm to your theme.

The Guardian

Did Owen warm to him?

The Guardian - Film

"They were really warm to me.

The Guardian - Arts

Were we supposed to warm to Danny?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

But you warm to them all.

The Guardian - Books

It's impossible not to warm to him.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "warm to" to describe a gradual or eventual acceptance or liking of something or someone. It's especially effective when highlighting a change in attitude over time.

Common error

Avoid using "warm to" when describing an instantaneous or immediate positive reaction. This phrase implies a process of developing fondness or acceptance, not a sudden, immediate liking.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "warm to" functions primarily as a verb of emotion or attitude. It describes the process of developing a positive feeling, acceptance, or liking towards someone or something, as demonstrated in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "warm to" is a frequently used and grammatically correct phrasal verb that describes the gradual development of a positive feeling or acceptance. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriateness in written English. Its usage is common across various contexts, especially in News & Media, but its neutral register makes it suitable for diverse communication scenarios. When using this phrase, remember that it implies a process and isn't suitable for describing immediate reactions. Consider alternatives like "take a liking to" for more immediate connections.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take to

A more concise way of expressing an immediate positive reaction.

take a liking to

Indicates an immediate positive impression leading to affection.

grow fond of

Implies a gradual development of affection over time.

be won over by

Focuses on the act of being persuaded or influenced to feel positive.

become attached to

Suggests forming a deeper emotional bond or connection.

become partial to

Suggests developing a preference or inclination towards something.

feel drawn to

Emphasizes an instinctive or magnetic attraction.

develop an affinity for

Highlights the growth of a natural connection or sense of kinship.

begin to appreciate

Highlights the recognition of positive qualities that lead to a warmer feeling.

find appealing

Indicates discovering attractive or pleasing qualities in something.

FAQs

How can I use "warm to" in a sentence?

You can use "warm to" to describe a gradual increase in affection or acceptance. For example, "Initially skeptical, she eventually "warmed to" the idea after seeing the positive results."

What's a good alternative to "warm to"?

Alternatives include "grow fond of", "take a liking to", or "become partial to", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "warming to" instead of "warm to"?

Yes, "warming to" is the present participle form and is correct in progressive tenses. For example, "He is "warming to" the suggestion now that he understands the benefits."

What's the difference between "warm to" and "warm up to"?

"Warm to" indicates developing a liking or acceptance, while "warm up to" often implies becoming more friendly or outgoing, especially after an initial period of reserve. They are similar, but "warm up to" focuses more on personal interaction and behavior.