ENGLISH
REFERENCE

grow upon

phr. v..
C1 Advanced Oxford Formal Literary

phr. v.. to gradually start liking something or someone more as time passes.

phr. v.. to become increasingly liked or appreciated by someone through gradual exposure or familiarity.


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.

Particles
upon
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
subject + grow + upon + object
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.

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