grew so fast

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "grew so fast" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that has increased in size, quantity, or intensity rapidly over a period of time. Example: "The company's profits grew so fast that they had to hire more staff to keep up with demand."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"That child grew so fast.

The New York Times

"It grew so fast," Ms. Cooper said.

The New York Times

I did that every other day because my hair grew so fast – and shaved in between.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

My feet grew so fast that my penny loafers never fit.

The Guardian - Opinion

The company grew so fast that people were given management positions without having the necessary leadership training.

Harvard University

Jared grew so fast and strong that he could hold with the proper form and follow through well before kindergarten.

The New York Times - Sports

No wonder securitisation grew so fast (see chart 3).These asset-backed securities became ever more complex.

The Economist

The number of users grew so fast that the small team behind the project could not keep up.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

"I've never seen a business grow so fast".

The New York Times - Health

One type grows so fast that early diagnosis is futile.

The New York Times - Health

They never expected the goat dairy to grow so fast.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "grew so fast" to vividly describe rapid development or expansion, but ensure it's followed by specific details to illustrate the extent and impact of this growth.

Common error

Avoid using "grew so fast" as a standalone statement. Instead, provide context by explaining why something grew quickly and what the consequences were. For example, instead of saying 'The business grew so fast', say 'The business "grew so fast" due to aggressive marketing, leading to logistical challenges'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "grew so fast" functions as a verbal phrase emphasizing the speed of growth or development. It typically modifies a noun or pronoun, providing more detail about the manner in which something changed over time. According to Ludwig, the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "grew so fast" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe rapid growth or development, as affirmed by Ludwig. It's frequently used in News & Media to describe business expansion, technological advancements, or population increases. The expert analysis shows that while it can be used across contexts, being specific about the reasons and impacts of rapid growth enhances clarity. Remember to use alternatives like "expanded rapidly" or "increased quickly" for variety, and to avoid overuse without context. The frequency of the phrase suggests it's a valuable part of the English lexicon for describing quick and substantial changes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

expanded rapidly

Emphasizes the spatial increase or scope of growth.

increased quickly

Highlights the speed of the increase in a general sense.

developed swiftly

Focuses on the speed and efficiency of the development process.

progressed rapidly

Implies forward movement and advancement at a high pace.

boomed quickly

Suggests a sudden and significant increase, often in an economic context.

skyrocketed

Indicates a very steep and rapid increase, almost vertical.

mushroomed

Implies a rapid and abundant growth, often unexpectedly.

shot up

Suggests a quick, upward surge in growth or numbers.

took off

Indicates a sudden and successful start leading to rapid growth.

surged ahead

Emphasizes rapid advancement, often in competition or comparison to others.

FAQs

How can I use "grew so fast" in a sentence?

You can use "grew so fast" to describe rapid development or expansion. For example: 'The company "expanded rapidly" and struggled to manage its new customers.'

What are some alternatives to "grew so fast"?

Alternatives include "increased quickly", "developed swiftly", or "progressed rapidly". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "grew so fast" in writing?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize the speed of growth. Consider using it when the rapid growth had a significant impact or unexpected consequences. Ensure there is specific context or details and avoid using it as a standalone.

What's the difference between "grew so fast" and "grew very fast"?

"Grew so fast" emphasizes the speed of growth as being remarkable or noteworthy, while "grew very fast" simply indicates a high growth rate. The former often implies consequences or implications related to the speed of growth.