grew to become

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "grew to become" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a gradual development or transformation into a particular state or role over time. Example: "Over the years, she grew to become a respected leader in her field."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It grew to become Citigate Dewe Rogerson.

The Times

That team grew to become the best in the world.

Independent

Their son grew to become a committed football player.

The New Yorker

It grew to become North Carolina's first integrated law firm.

The New York Times

Called Fargo, it grew to become the state's largest city.

Britannica

If nothing else, Mr. Goldsmith grew to become acutely aware of the politics of snow.

The New York Times

But Hazard eventually grew to become the game's most influential attacker.

Independent

The LTTE grew to become one of the world's most sophisticated and tightly organized insurgent groups.

Encyclopedia Britannica

By the 1970s, Spec's grew to become a record powerhouse in Miami and the region.

The New York Times

It grew to become one of the largest teachers colleges in the state.

Encyclopedia Britannica

She grew to become mesmerisingly beautiful, even modelling for Schiaparelli in Paris.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "grew to become" to emphasize a gradual process of change or development over time, adding nuance compared to simply using "became".

Common error

While "grew to become" is correct, overusing it can make writing sound repetitive. Vary your phrasing by using synonyms like "developed into" or "evolved into" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "grew to become" functions as a linking verb phrase, connecting a subject with a state of being that has developed over time. It illustrates a process of transformation, as Ludwig AI indicates with its grammatical assessment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Science

8%

Formal & Business

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "grew to become" is a versatile linking verb phrase used to describe a gradual process of transformation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Academia. While alternatives like "developed into" or "evolved into" exist, "grew to become" emphasizes the element of gradual development, adding a distinct nuance to writing. Overuse should be avoided to maintain reader engagement, but its clear meaning and consistent application make it a valuable addition to any writer's toolkit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

developed into

Focuses more on the transformation into a final state, less on the gradual process.

evolved into

Implies a more natural or organic transformation.

became

A more direct and concise way of expressing the transformation, omitting the sense of gradual growth.

progressed to be

Emphasizes the forward movement and advancement in the transformation.

transformed into

Highlights a significant change in form or nature.

matured into

Suggests a development towards completeness or a more refined state.

expanded to be

Focuses on growth in size, scope, or influence.

flourished into

Implies a thriving and successful development.

rose to be

Suggests an ascent in status or prominence.

turned into

Indicates a change in condition or appearance.

FAQs

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

Use "grew to become" to describe a gradual transformation or development over time. For example, "The small village "grew to become" a bustling city."

What are some alternatives to "grew to become"?

Alternatives include "developed into", "evolved into", or simply "became". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it more formal to say "became" instead of "grew to become"?

While "became" is generally more concise, "grew to become" adds emphasis to the gradual process of transformation, which can be suitable in both formal and informal contexts depending on the desired effect.

What's the difference between "grew to become" and "started as"?

"Grew to become" describes a transformation over time, while "started as" indicates an initial state. For example, "It started as a small project and "grew to become" a major initiative."