grew to know

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "grew to know" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used to describe a gradual process of becoming familiar with something or someone over time. Here are a few examples: - "As she spent more time with her new friend, she grew to know and appreciate her unique sense of humor." - "Living in a foreign country, I grew to know the language and customs through my daily interactions with the locals." - "Over the years, the small town grew to know and love the kind-hearted doctor who had cared for them for decades."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

They were flavors I grew to know well, and to crave".

The New York Times

Many of us at the church grew to know and like Steve.

The Guardian - Opinion

* The landfill that Staten Islanders grew to know and loathe is no more.

The New York Times

In my role, I grew to know the Russo-Young family.

The New York Times

I grew to know Hafiz, whose parents were killed by the Taliban when he was a young child.

University of California, Berkeley

In winter, Buffalo becomes deeply acquainted with gray; I grew to know its infinite shadings like no other.

The New York Times - Style

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

The people we grow to know and like are never able to feel entirely secure.

The Guardian - Books

Through them, as much as through his successes, we have grown to know him.

The Guardian - Sport

"I've grown to know enough about the various kinds of airplanes," Mr. Carr said.

The New York Times

BB: That must have been incredible, after growing to know one another so well over the phone.

The New Yorker

For us, it's hard to lose a teacher after you have grown to know him or her".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "grew to know" to describe a gradual process of becoming familiar with someone or something over time, implying a deepening understanding or appreciation.

Common error

Avoid using "grew to know" when describing an instantaneous realization or a fleeting encounter. The phrase implies a development over time, not a sudden awareness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "grew to know" functions as a verb phrase indicating a process of becoming familiar with someone or something over time. Ludwig shows its usage in contexts where a relationship or understanding develops gradually.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "grew to know" effectively conveys a gradual development of familiarity or understanding. As demonstrated by Ludwig, it's grammatically sound and frequently used in various contexts, particularly in news and media. Alternatives such as "came to know" or "got to know" offer similar meanings, but "grew to know" specifically emphasizes the element of time and evolving comprehension. While it's a versatile phrase suitable for many situations, it's important to reserve it for contexts where a genuine, progressive relationship or understanding is being described. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and can be used in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

came to know

Focuses on the result of becoming familiar, rather than the process.

got to know

Emphasizes the opportunity or chance aspect of becoming familiar.

became acquainted with

A more formal alternative emphasizing initial familiarity.

developed an understanding of

Shifts the focus to intellectual comprehension rather than personal acquaintance.

cultivated a relationship with

Highlights the active effort in building a connection.

familiarized oneself with

Focuses on the active process of becoming knowledgeable.

gained insight into

Highlights the acquisition of deeper knowledge or understanding.

learnt about

A simpler, more general way to express acquiring information.

discovered

Emphasizes the element of uncovering or finding out.

experienced

Focuses on personal involvement or exposure.

FAQs

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

Use "grew to know" to indicate a gradual development of familiarity or understanding, as in "Over the years, I "grew to know" the city's hidden corners and vibrant communities."

What can I say instead of "grew to know"?

You can use alternatives like "came to know", "got to know", or "became acquainted with" depending on the specific context.

Is "grew to know" formal or informal?

"Grew to know" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal situations, "became acquainted with" might be preferred.

What's the difference between "grew to know" and "knew"?

"Grew to know" implies a process of becoming familiar over time, while "knew" suggests a state of already being familiar. For example, "I "grew to know" her over several years" versus "I knew her from childhood."