grow dependent on

USAGE SUMMARY

"grow dependent on" is a valid and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to indicate that someone or something has started to rely on or need something. For example, "As the company grew, they became increasingly dependent on technology."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

In other words: If you grow dependent on your smartphone, it becomes a magical device that silently shouts your name at your brain at all times.

Huffington Post

"Meanwhile, the National Park Service, run by the U.S. Department of the Interior, asks us 'please do not feed the animals.' Their stated reason for this policy being that … the animals will grow dependent on the handouts, and then they will never learn to take care of themselves," the post continues.

Huffington Post

Luminal tumors are typically positive for Estrogen Receptor alpha (ERα), and are considered to grow dependent on the activity of this transcription factor.

BMC Cancer

Don't let your friend to grow dependent on you.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

The largest American farmers have grown dependent on the $19 billion they receive in annual subsidies.

The New York Times

World-class brands that have grown dependent on outsourcing labor-intensive production to China are now searching for alternatives.

The New York Times

She seems never to have had another sexual relationship with a man and grew dependent on her paid female companion.

The New York Times - Books

The contractors and landscapers who have been buoyed by the economic expansion of the past 10 years have grown dependent on immigrants.

The New York Times

They will amplify the process, whether you're memorizing Shakespeare or growing dependent on nicotine.

The New York Times

This is especially good news for the hospitals that have already grown dependent on the significant cash flow that bariatric surgery generates.

The New York Times

Indeed, both Kirchners grew dependent on Chávez, especially after Venezuela purchased seven billion dollars' worth of Argentine debt as the country was emerging from its economic crisis.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "grow dependent on", consider the context and whether a more specific term like "reliant", "addicted", or "hooked" might be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "grow dependent on" when a weaker term like "familiar with" or "accustomed to" would more accurately reflect the level of reliance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "grow dependent on" functions as a verb phrase that describes a process of increasing reliance or need. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in describing how entities (individuals, organizations, or even economies) gradually come to rely on something.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "grow dependent on" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe the process of becoming increasingly reliant on something. While Ludwig identifies it as a valid phrase, its relatively low frequency suggests that other alternatives might be more common in certain contexts. The phrase is versatile and can be used in news, general writing, and scientific contexts, making it a useful addition to one's vocabulary. Be mindful of the context to ensure the level of dependence is accurately conveyed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

increasingly rely on

Stresses the increasing degree of reliance.

become reliant on

Emphasizes reliance rather than the process of becoming dependent.

come to depend on

Highlights the process of gradually needing something.

start to rely on

Focuses on the initiation of reliance.

be unable to do without

Emphasizes the inability to function without something.

develop a dependency on

Highlights the development of a dependency, often implying a negative connotation.

find oneself needing

Focuses on the realization of a need.

become addicted to

Implies a compulsive need, often with negative consequences.

get hooked on

Informal and suggests a strong, often unhealthy, attachment.

be sustained by

Focuses on sustenance and implies reliance for survival or continuation.

FAQs

What does "grow dependent on" mean?

The phrase "grow dependent on" means to increasingly rely on something or someone over time, to the point where it becomes difficult to function without it.

How can I use "grow dependent on" in a sentence?

You can use "grow dependent on" to describe a gradual reliance, for example: "The company "grew dependent on" outsourcing to reduce costs."

What are some alternatives to "grow dependent on"?

Alternatives to "grow dependent on" include "become reliant on", "start to rely on", or "develop a dependency on".

Is it better to say "grow dependent on" or "become dependent on"?

Both "grow dependent on" and "become dependent on" are correct. "Grow dependent on" emphasizes the gradual nature of the dependency.