grew wary

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "grew wary" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a gradual increase in caution or suspicion towards someone or something over time. Example: "As the negotiations continued, she grew wary of his intentions and started to question his honesty."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

Some farm states grew wary.

The New York Times

Factory officials also grew wary.

The New York Times

She grew wary at the mention of Yazbek's name.

The New York Times - Magazine

I pressed for more, but she grew wary and mentioned needing to consult her lawyer.

The New Yorker

But some companies grew wary when they examined the fine print.

The New York Times

Looking into the Indians' dugout during batting practice today, Minnesota Manager Ron Gardenhire grew wary.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

Investors are growing wary, too.

The New York Times

They are also growing wary and fatigued.

The New York Times - Magazine

But some grow wary after that.

The New York Times

Corporations, too, appear to be growing wary of the NSA.

The Guardian - Opinion

Tells how they have grown wary of vote-getting gadgets in recent years,….

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "grew wary" to describe a gradual increase in caution or suspicion towards someone or something as new information or events unfold.

Common error

Avoid using "grew wary" to describe a sudden, immediate reaction. The phrase suggests a gradual development of caution, not an instant response. For immediate reactions, use phrases like "became alarmed" or "was immediately suspicious".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "grew wary" functions as a verb phrase indicating a gradual development of caution, doubt, or suspicion. It describes a process where someone's initial trust or openness diminishes over time. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples showing its common usage in describing reactions to unfolding events.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Science

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "grew wary" is a verb phrase that describes a gradual increase in caution or suspicion. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and commonly used, particularly in news and media contexts. The phrase indicates a transition from trust to guardedness over time, and should not be used to describe sudden reactions. To avoid errors, remember to use it when depicting a developing sense of apprehension. Alternative phrases include "became cautious" or "started to distrust". Overall, understanding the nuance of "grew wary" can enhance precision in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

became leery

Synonymous to wary, suggesting caution due to suspicion or apprehension.

became cautious

Indicates a shift to carefulness, potentially lacking the element of distrust implied by "wary".

became suspicious

Highlights doubt or mistrust, possibly more pronounced than the initial stage of wariness.

started to distrust

Emphasizes the beginning of a lack of trust, which is a stronger sentiment than just being wary.

began to doubt

Focuses on uncertainty and questioning, without necessarily implying fear or danger.

developed reservations

Suggests a more thoughtful and considered form of doubt, often about a plan or idea.

felt apprehensive

Emphasizes anxiety or unease about a future event or situation.

turned skeptical

Implies a questioning attitude, often based on evidence or experience.

lost confidence

Indicates a reduction in belief or trust, typically in someone's abilities or intentions.

took a dim view

Shows disapproval or pessimism towards something, rather than caution.

FAQs

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

Use "grew wary" to indicate a gradual increase in caution or suspicion. For example, "As the negotiations continued, she "grew wary" of his intentions."

What are some alternatives to "grew wary"?

You can use alternatives such as "became cautious", "became suspicious", or "started to distrust" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "grows wary" instead of "grew wary"?

"Grows wary" indicates a present or ongoing state of becoming wary, while ""grew wary"" indicates a past state. Choose the form that matches the timeline of your sentence.

What's the difference between "grew wary" and "grew tired"?

"Grew wary" implies an increase in caution or suspicion, while "grew tired" implies an increase in weariness or fatigue. They describe different emotional and physical states.