grow alert

USAGE SUMMARY

"Grow alert" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You might use this phrase to describe someone's mental state when they become aware of something: As the conversation continued, his expression grew alert.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

I saw your eyes, still sleepy, begin to grow alert with confusion.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Rader recalls that Williams, who had been off in one of his druggy daydreams, suddenly grew alert to the conversation: "Yes, baby, we always have double beds.

The New Yorker

The police grew alert on a recent morning when journalists appeared at the gate of the government-controlled cemetery with a permit to do interviews.

The New York Times

That is, I wanted my children to grow up alert to the silken, studied salesmanship of those who want your trust but are not really your friends.

The New York Times

Mr. Bank grew suddenly alert.

The New York Times

At the same time, young Web users appear to be growing more alert to danger signs.

The New York Times - Tech

These officers have grown more alert to the ways in which local warlords may be using them.

The New York Times

They regarded my approach with the same judgmental expressions as those at Healesville, but when I dipped my hand into a bag of food, a few of them grew more alert.

The New York Times - Magazine

But he grew increasingly alert to the financial sense of running "a successful trade publishing house that at least looks to be very literary, even though it sometimes has to pay the bills with something that's less than literary".

The New Yorker

A strong songwriter with a steady sneer, he has infiltrated gradually, and now that he's leaning more and more on rallying cry songs — as seen on his thoroughly enjoyable, slightly dumbed-down 2011 album "Chief" (EMI Nashville) — his influence is growing, an alert and savvy singer-songwriter working from the bottom up.

The New York Times - Arts

That's not because of the link between us and football but because we're both growing entities, alert to new markets".

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "grow alert" to describe a gradual increase in someone's awareness or responsiveness to their surroundings or a specific situation. It implies a process of becoming more attentive over time.

Common error

Avoid using "grow alert" when you mean someone became immediately alert. "Grow alert" implies a gradual process, not an instantaneous change. For immediate alertness, use "became alert" or "snapped to attention".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "grow alert" functions as a verbal phrase indicating a process of transitioning into a state of awareness or heightened attention. Ludwig AI indicates this is a correct phrase.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

6%

Social Media

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "grow alert" describes a gradual process of becoming more aware or vigilant, as validated by Ludwig AI. It's grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, though alternatives like "become aware" or "increase vigilance" may be more appropriate depending on the desired nuance. When using "grow alert", be mindful to convey a gradual transition into alertness rather than an instantaneous change. While examples are not very common, the phrase is used in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The New Yorker.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

become vigilant

Emphasizes the transition to a state of heightened watchfulness.

become aware

Focuses on the development of knowledge or perception.

increase vigilance

Highlights a rise in the level of watchfulness.

heighten awareness

Stresses the intensification of understanding or consciousness.

sharpen focus

Indicates a concentration of attention.

develop attentiveness

Points to the cultivation of careful observation.

become conscious

Focuses on entering a state of realization or understanding.

pay closer attention

Suggests directing more focus towards something.

start noticing

Highlights the initial phase of becoming aware.

grow perceptive

Indicates a gradual increase in the ability to understand or notice things.

FAQs

How can I use "grow alert" in a sentence?

You can use "grow alert" to describe a gradual increase in someone's awareness. For example: "As the speaker continued, the audience seemed to "grow alert".".

What are some alternatives to "grow alert"?

Some alternatives to "grow alert" include "become aware", "increase vigilance", and "pay closer attention", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "grew alert"?

Yes, "grew alert" is the past tense form of "grow alert" and is grammatically correct. For example: "He "grew alert" when he heard the unexpected noise."

What's the difference between "grow alert" and "become alert"?

"Grow alert" implies a gradual process of becoming more aware, while "become alert" can suggest a more sudden or immediate change in awareness. The best choice depends on the context you want to create.