Phrasal verb
grow upon
Definition
phrasal verb. to gradually start liking something or someone more as time passes.
phrasal verb. to become increasingly liked or appreciated by someone through gradual exposure or familiarity.
Examples
“I didn't like this song at first, but it's starting to grow upon me.”
“The quiet charm of the small village began to grow upon her after she stayed there for a month.”
“While the architectural style initially seemed harsh and industrial, the building's clever use of light began to grow upon the critics over time.”
Examples
simple
“I didn't like this song at first, but it's starting to grow upon me.”
contextual
“The quiet charm of the small village began to grow upon her after she stayed there for a month.”
complex
“While the architectural style initially seemed harsh and industrial, the building's clever use of light began to grow upon the critics over time.”
Usage
the subject is the thing being liked, and the object is the person who likes it.
Teaching tip
contrast with 'grow on', which is much more common in modern English; 'grow upon' is the more formal or literary variant of the same meaning.
Pitfall
I am growing upon the new house.
The new house is growing upon me.
the thing you like must be the subject, not the person doing the liking.
Phrasal verb
Particles
upon
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
subject + grow + upon + object
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
Scan code
englishreference.com/q/grow-upon