# grow to

CEFR B2 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/grow-to
Updated: 2026-04-24

## Definition

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

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

## Examples

- I grew to like the new house after a few weeks.
- Although they didn't get along at first, they grew to respect each other's work styles.
- As the years passed, the local community grew to rely on the small clinic for all their primary healthcare needs.

## Pitfalls

- Not "I grew to liking the city." but "I grew to like the city." — this phrase must be followed by the base form of the verb (the infinitive), not the -ing form.

## Usage notes

- almost always followed by an infinitive verb like 'like', 'love', 'understand', or 'appreciate'.
- Teaching tip: contrast with 'start to', which is neutral; 'grow to' emphasizes the slow, organic change in the speaker's perspective or feelings.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.