Phrasal verbs "grow on" vs "grow to"

Differences between grow on and grow to

The main difference between grow on and grow to is that grow on means to start liking something more over time, while grow to means to develop a liking or affection for something or someone gradually.

Meanings and Definitions: grow on vs grow to

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Grow on

• 1. Like something that you didn't like at first.

  The painting has GROWN ON me; I used to ate it.

• 2. Have a greater influence or degree of acceptance.

  The plans sounded strange at first, but they have GROWN ON me.

• 3. Become gradually more evident.

  A feeling of distrust of them GREW ON me.

Grow to

• 1. Eventually do something.

  We GREW TO like the neighbourhood.

Usage Examples: grow on, grow to in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

grow on

Example

This song didn't impress me at first, but it has grown on me.

Example

The new coworker grows on everyone; they didn't like him initially.

grow to

Example

I grew to appreciate her sense of humor.

Example

He grows to love the new city he moved to.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Grow on

take a liking to

To start liking someone or something.

Example

At first, she didn't like the new coworker, but he eventually took a liking to her friendly personality.

warm up to

To become more friendly or receptive towards someone or something.

Example

It took a while, but eventually, the cat warmed up to its new owner and started cuddling with her.

get used to

To become accustomed to something or someone.

Example

After moving to a new city, it took her a few weeks to get used to the different lifestyle and pace of life.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Grow to

develop an affinity for

To gradually develop a liking or affection for someone or something.

Example

Over time, she developed an affinity for classical music and started attending concerts regularly.

cultivate a fondness for

To intentionally develop a liking or affection for someone or something.

Example

She decided to cultivate a fondness for hiking and started exploring different trails every weekend.

nurture a love for

To carefully foster or develop a strong liking or affection for someone or something.

Example

Her parents nurtured a love for reading in her from a young age, and now she's an avid reader.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “grow”

• grow apart
• grow together
• grow upon
• grow away from
• grow into

Phrasal Verbs with “on”

• focus on
• be on
• jump on
• latch on
• bargain on

Phrasal Verbs with “to”

• gear to
• happen to
• hark back to
• stick it to
• cling to

Differences in grow on vs grow to: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: grow on or grow to?

Both grow on and grow to are commonly used in everyday conversations. However, grow on is used more frequently than grow to.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of grow on and grow to

Both grow on and grow to are informal phrases that are suitable for casual conversations. They are not typically used in formal settings.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of grow on and grow to

The tone of grow on and grow to can differ based on context. Grow on often carries a positive or neutral tone when referring to developing a liking for something, while grow to can carry a more emotional or sentimental tone when referring to developing a liking or affection for someone.

grow on & grow to: Synonyms and Antonyms

Grow on

Synonyms

• appeal
• become appealing
• become likable
• become attractive
• gain favor
• win over

Antonyms

• dislike
• repel
• alienate
• turn off
• lose favor
• push away

Grow to

Synonyms

• develop
• evolve
• progress
• mature
• advance
• cultivate
• nurture

Antonyms

• diminish
• deteriorate
• worsen
• regress
• shrink
• weaken
• decline