grow to

No — say "I grew to like the city.". this phrase must be followed by the base form of the verb (the infinitive), not the -ing form.

Definition

phrasal verb. to gradually start to feel or think something over a period of time.

phrasal verb. to develop a specific attitude, feeling, or habit through a gradual process; typically used with verbs of cognition or emotion.

simple

“I grew to like the new house after a few weeks.”

contextual

“Although they didn't get along at first, they grew to respect each other's work styles.”

complex

“As the years passed, the local community grew to rely on the small clinic for all their primary healthcare needs.”

almost always followed by an infinitive verb like 'like', 'love', 'understand', or 'appreciate'.

contrast with 'start to', which is neutral; 'grow to' emphasizes the slow, organic change in the speaker's perspective or feelings.

I grew to liking the city.

I grew to like the city.

this phrase must be followed by the base form of the verb (the infinitive), not the -ing form.

Particles

to

Separability

inseparable

Pattern

grow + to + verb