grow bigger

USAGE SUMMARY

"grow bigger" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is used to describe something that is increasing in size or becoming larger over time. Example: The seedling will grow bigger in the coming weeks as it receives more sunlight and water.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But little girls grow bigger every day.

The New York Times - Magazine

Turner wanted to grow bigger still.

The New Yorker

Do you want to grow bigger?

The New York Times

The challenges will only grow bigger.

The Guardian

But I had to grow bigger.

The New Yorker

I know it will not grow bigger.

The New York Times

Government offices grow bigger and bigger.

The New York Times

People who meditate grow bigger brains than those who don't.

Harvard University

"You grow bigger, or you stop," he said.

The New York Times

The robotic industry could grow bigger than today's auto industry.

The New York Times

And this behemoth may be about to grow bigger.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "grow bigger" when you want to emphasize a straightforward increase in size, volume, or extent. It is suitable for both literal and figurative contexts.

Common error

While "grow bigger" is generally acceptable, avoid it in highly formal or technical writing where more precise terms like "increase", "expand", or "enlarge" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "grow bigger" functions primarily as a verb phrase, describing the process of increasing in size, extent, or significance. Ludwig provides examples across various contexts where this phrase indicates physical growth, expansion of influence, or escalation of issues.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

23%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "grow bigger" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe an increase in size, extent, or significance. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While its register is generally neutral, more formal alternatives might be preferred in specific contexts such as academic or technical writing. It is most frequently encountered in news and media sources, as well as in scientific literature. When seeking synonyms, consider options like "increase in size", "become larger", or "expand" to convey similar meanings with subtle differences in tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

increase in size

Replaces "grow" with "increase" and adds "in size" for clarity, making it slightly more formal.

become larger

Uses "become" instead of "grow" and "larger" instead of "bigger", offering a simpler alternative.

enlarge

Offers a single-word synonym for "grow bigger", suitable for more formal contexts.

scale up

Uses a phrasal verb to indicate a proportional increase in size or capacity, especially in a business context.

expand in scope

Replaces physical size with "scope", suggesting an increase in reach or influence rather than physical dimensions.

develop further

Focuses on the advancement or progression aspect of growth, applicable when something is not just getting bigger but also more advanced.

gain prominence

Shifts the focus from physical size to importance or recognition, suitable for abstract concepts like influence or reputation.

amplify

Implies an increase in intensity or effect, rather than just physical size.

augment

Suggests adding to something to make it bigger or greater, often implying an improvement as well.

balloon

Conveys a rapid and often uncontrolled increase in size or volume.

FAQs

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

You can use "grow bigger" to describe physical growth, as in "The plant will grow bigger with more sunlight", or to describe abstract growth, as in "The company hopes to grow bigger in the next quarter".

What are some alternatives to "grow bigger"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "increase in size", "become larger", or "expand".

Is "grow bigger" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "grow bigger" may sound informal in some contexts. Consider using more formal alternatives such as "increase in magnitude" or "expand in scope" for a more professional tone.

What's the difference between "grow bigger" and "grow larger"?

The phrases "grow bigger" and "grow larger" are nearly synonymous and can often be used interchangeably. The choice between them often comes down to stylistic preference.