grew bigger

USAGE SUMMARY

"grew bigger" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
For example, you could say, "The economy grew bigger and stronger throughout the year." Here, "grew bigger" means that the economy got larger or increased in size.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Instead, it grew bigger.

The New York Times

Banking grew bigger and more profitable.

The New Yorker

But Yelp's pool of losses grew bigger.

The New York Times

Mehretu's paintings grew bigger and more complex.

The New Yorker

The charts grew bigger and bigger.

The New York Times - Arts

Thanks to the mayor, the protests grew bigger than ever.

The New York Times

The family treated her slightly better as she grew bigger.

The New York Times

After that his books grew bigger, bolder, more successful.

The Guardian - Books

As the calf grew bigger, Milo grew stronger.

The New York Times - Sports

The algae grew bigger in the more acidic water.

The New York Times - Science

As a result, S. & P. and Moody's grew bigger, more profitable, and more powerful.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing gradual changes, "grew bigger" can effectively convey a sense of natural progression or development. For example, "As the company matured, its influence grew bigger."

Common error

While "grew bigger" is perfectly acceptable, consider using more precise or formal alternatives like "expanded", "increased", or "enlarged", especially in academic or professional contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "grew bigger" primarily functions as a verb phrase indicating an increase in size, scope, or intensity. It often describes a process of becoming larger over time, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

28%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "grew bigger" is a grammatically correct and commonly used verb phrase that indicates an increase in size, scope, or intensity. According to Ludwig, it functions descriptively and maintains a neutral register, suitable for various contexts, including news, science, and general writing. While perfectly acceptable, using more formal synonyms like "expanded" may be preferable in academic or professional settings. It’s important to be mindful of the overall tone and context when using "grew bigger" to ensure the most effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

enlarged

A more concise and direct way of saying something became bigger.

expanded in size

Focuses on the dimensional aspect of becoming larger.

increased in scope

Highlights the widening of reach or extent.

swelled in size

Suggests a more pronounced and rapid increase in size.

scaled up

Implies a proportional increase, often in a business or technical context.

became more extensive

Emphasizes the broadening or stretching of something.

ballooned

Suggests a rapid and often uncontrolled increase in size or amount.

amplified

Implies an increase in intensity or effect, rather than physical size.

widened

Focuses on the increase in width.

extended

Suggests an increase in length or duration.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "grew bigger"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "expanded", "increased", or "enlarged" to convey a similar meaning.

Is "grew bigger" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "grew bigger" might be perceived as less formal. Consider using more sophisticated vocabulary like "expanded" or "increased" in formal contexts.

How can I use "grew bigger" in a sentence?

You can use "grew bigger" to describe a physical increase in size, an expansion of influence, or the intensification of something. For example: "The company grew bigger over time."

What's the difference between "grew bigger" and "increased in size"?

"Grew bigger" is a more direct and simple way to express an increase in size, while "increased in size" is slightly more formal and emphasizes the dimensional aspect of the growth.