grew timid

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "grew timid" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone becoming more shy or hesitant over time, often in response to a situation or experience. Example: "As the crowd grew larger, she grew timid and found it hard to speak up."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

But on climate change Obama grew timid and gave up, leaving the dysfunctional Senate to figure out the issue on its own.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

She encouraged an entrepreneurial culture that had grown timid and somnolent.

The New York Times

And perhaps because they serve only part time, they have grown timid in taking forceful actions.

The New York Times - Sports

But when his father tells him to speak up, Kevin grows timid, and drops the matter entirely.

The New Yorker

They want us to grow timid and weary in the face of their willingness to kill randomly and kill innocent people".

The New York Times

He had been enthusiastic, but he now fears officials have grown timid.Such concerns were hardly allayed when the authorities released a "negative list" of sectors in which foreigners cannot invest in the zone.

The Economist

Some Congressional Democrats and party activists complain the party has grown timid about government spending at an inopportune time, arguing that federal spending is needed to sustain the economic recovery.

The New York Times

Neither the Asahi's comfort-women stories nor its Fukushima coverage drew upon the kisha clubs.The Asahi Shimbun may now grow more timid.

The Economist

At the same time they have grown more timid for fear of offending the "social consensus, however dumb or even vicious the consensus".

The New York Times

MEMPHIS — Since being suspended for two games after punching an opponent in the face earlier this month, Baylor's 6-foot-8 center Brittney Griner had grown somewhat timid, reluctant to fully exert herself, knowing the referees would pay her increased scrutiny.

The New York Times - Sports

Europe has given up its independence, Kristol asserted, becoming "a quasiautonomous protectorate of the U.S". Europe has given up the capacity to project military power, growing too timid to commit its forces to action anywhere in the world unless the U.S. commits its forces first.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "grew timid" to describe a gradual shift in someone's demeanor towards increased shyness or hesitation due to specific circumstances. It implies a process rather than a sudden change.

Common error

Avoid using "grew timid" in highly formal or professional writing where a more precise term like "became hesitant" or "developed apprehension" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "grew timid" functions as a verb phrase indicating a process of becoming more shy or hesitant. Ludwig examples show this phrase describing a gradual change in behavior or attitude.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "grew timid" describes a gradual increase in shyness or hesitancy, as confirmed by Ludwig. While grammatically correct and understandable, its usage is relatively rare, primarily appearing in news and media contexts. Alternative phrases like "became hesitant" or "turned shy" can offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for general descriptive writing, though perhaps not as common in highly formal settings. It's best used to depict a process of becoming less confident or more apprehensive over time.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

became hesitant

Focuses on a reluctance to act or speak, highlighting the hesitation aspect.

turned shy

Emphasizes the development of shyness over time.

became apprehensive

Highlights the increasing anxiety or fear associated with the situation.

became fearful

Focuses on the development of fear.

developed a fear

Highlights the emergence of a fear response.

became more withdrawn

Emphasizes the retreat from social interaction.

became reticent

Highlights a growing unwillingness to speak freely.

lost confidence

Focuses on the decline in self-assurance.

became subdued

Emphasizes a decrease in energy and enthusiasm.

became meek

Focuses on a growing submissiveness and gentleness.

FAQs

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

"Grew timid" describes a gradual increase in shyness or hesitation. For example, "As the crowd grew larger, she "grew timid" and found it hard to speak up".

What are some alternatives to "grew timid"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "became hesitant", "turned shy", or "became apprehensive" instead of "grew timid".

Is it better to say "grew timid" or "became timid"?

Both "grew timid" and "became timid" are grammatically correct. "Grew timid" emphasizes a gradual process, while "became timid" suggests a more immediate change.

What does it mean to say someone "grew timid"?

To say someone ""grew timid"" means they gradually became more shy, hesitant, or fearful, often in response to a particular situation or experience.