grew to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "grew to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a gradual increase or development in a particular state or condition over time. Example: "Over the years, her interest in painting grew to a passion that consumed her life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He grew to love me.

The New Yorker

She grew to treasure that.

The New York Times

Boccaccio grew to maturity in Naples.

The Economist

But he grew to elicit extraordinary loyalty.

The New York Times

A 12-member community grew to 27.

The New York Times

I grew to trust his taste.

The New Yorker

The network of sanitariums grew to 14.

The New York Times - Health

Their forces rapidly grew to immense size.

Encyclopedia Britannica

She grew to love the sport.

The New York Times - Sports

The estimate quickly grew to twenty.

The New Yorker

It grew to 19,500 members.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "grew to" to describe gradual changes or developments over a period of time. It is most effective when showing a transition or progression.

Common error

Avoid using "grew to" for sudden or immediate changes. This phrase emphasizes a gradual process, not an instantaneous shift.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "grew to" is to serve as a verb phrase indicating a process of gradual development or change. Ludwig examples show usage in contexts ranging from personal feelings ("grew to love") to quantitative changes ("grew to 27").

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

7%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "grew to" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe a gradual process of development or change. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across various contexts. It is particularly useful for indicating a progression in feelings, quantities, or states. Remember to use it when emphasizing a gradual change rather than an immediate one. Common synonyms include "developed into", "evolved into", and "increased to". By understanding these nuances, writers can effectively convey the intended meaning and avoid common errors associated with its usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

evolved into

Implies a gradual transformation, often suggesting a change in nature or form.

developed into

Suggests a progression from an earlier stage to a more advanced or mature one.

increased to

Indicates a quantitative rise in amount or number.

expanded to

Signifies a growth in size, scope, or extent.

progressed to

Highlights forward movement or advancement in a process or sequence.

matured into

Emphasizes a process of becoming fully developed or ripe.

transformed into

Denotes a significant change in form or appearance.

became fond of

Specifically relates to developing affection or liking for something.

came to appreciate

Implies a gradual understanding and valuing of something.

escalated to

Suggests a rapid increase or intensification.

FAQs

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

You can use "grew to" to describe a gradual change or development over time. For example, "He "grew to love" the quiet mornings".

What are some alternatives to "grew to"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "developed into", "evolved into", or "increased to".

Is it correct to say "growed to" instead of "grew to"?

No, "growed" is not the correct past tense of "grow". The correct past tense is "grew", so "grew to" is the correct usage.

What's the difference between "grew to" and "used to"?

"Grew to" indicates a gradual development or change in feelings or state over time, whereas "used to" indicates a past habit or state that is no longer true.