grow in wisdom

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "grow in wisdom" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing personal development, learning, or gaining knowledge and understanding over time. Example: "Through her experiences and challenges, she continued to grow in wisdom, making better decisions as she aged."

✓ Grammatically correct

Personal development

Educational settings

Spiritual growth

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

You lived inspired by the inscription on the gates at Harvard, your alma mater, "Enter to grow in wisdom.

The New York Times

The plot doesn't require a great deal of Odysseus-like wiliness on Inman's part; his task isn't so much to grow in wisdom and experience as simply to endure, and to grow sick of violence (something that Homer's hero never loses his taste for).

The New York Times

We will be working as always to assure the welfare of our students, and we'll be struggling to make this an occasion where we can all grow in wisdom.

Duke University

We will be working as always to assure the welfare of our students, and we'll be struggling to make this an occasion where we can all grow in wisdom". Team members have been accused of sexually assaulting a woman at a March 13 off-campus party.

Duke University

Let the issues that arise become opportunities for you to grow in wisdom and love.

Huffington Post

What we believe about God shifts over the course of a lifetime as we grow in wisdom, understanding, and experience of him.

HuffPost

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

The boy from Grand Avenue in Louisville, Ky., grew in wisdom from his journeys.

The New York Times - Sports

Once, talking to me on a somewhat tattered theme, the difference between stage and screen acting, Paul Newman made a remark that seemed obvious at the time but grows in wisdom the more I ponder it.

The New Yorker

The lives of the self-made often follow a symmetrical curve, wherein a mounting acquisitiveness peaks in middle age and mellows into philanthropy as the person grows in wisdom, leisure time, and (perhaps) abhorrence at the thought of his or her heirs driving around in fancy cars.

MIT Technology Review

The plenary valorization of the youthful, the contemporary, the innovative, the preference for 12-year-old violinists and 19-year-old metaphysicians, and the appetite for all the daily Apple updates, these are necessary features of American dynamism; at your age I embraced it completely, but I find I have grown in wisdom wonderfully in the last five decades, and I think you will do so soon.

Princeton University

The ability to evolve actually demonstrates an openness to the lifelong process of growing in wisdom and compassion.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "grow in wisdom" to describe a gradual, ongoing process of gaining deeper understanding and insight through experience and learning.

Common error

Avoid using "grow in wisdom" when simply referring to an increase in knowledge or intelligence. Wisdom involves applying knowledge with sound judgment and understanding, not just accumulating facts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "grow in wisdom" functions as an intransitive verb phrase, describing a process of development or maturation. It suggests a continuous progression towards greater understanding and sound judgment, as supported by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "grow in wisdom" is a grammatically sound and relatively common expression used to describe the process of developing deeper understanding and sound judgment over time. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for a variety of contexts, ranging from personal development to educational and spiritual growth. While it's often used interchangeably with phrases like "gain understanding" or "develop insight", it carries a nuanced meaning that emphasizes the application of knowledge with sound judgment, differentiating it from simply accumulating information. Though most frequent in News & Media and Academia it remains an expression that can be used in multiple contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cultivate wisdom

Focuses on the deliberate effort to develop wisdom.

gain understanding

Emphasizes the acquisition of comprehension and insight.

develop insight

Highlights the growth of intuitive understanding.

deepen understanding

Implies a more profound comprehension.

mature in discernment

Suggests a refining of judgment and perception over time.

advance in knowledge

Focuses on increasing one's store of information.

expand awareness

Refers to broadening one's perception and consciousness.

refine perception

Highlights the improvement of sensory and intuitive understanding.

enhance sagacity

Implies an increase in sound judgment and foresight.

foster prudence

Focuses on the development of careful and sensible decision-making.

FAQs

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

You can use "grow in wisdom" to describe a person's journey of gaining knowledge and understanding over time. For example, "Through her experiences and challenges, she continued to grow in wisdom, making better decisions as she aged."

What's the difference between "grow in wisdom" and "gain knowledge"?

"Grow in wisdom" implies a deeper understanding and the ability to apply knowledge effectively, whereas "gain knowledge" simply refers to acquiring information. You can "gain knowledge" without necessarily growing in wisdom.

What are some alternatives to "grow in wisdom"?

You can use alternatives like "cultivate wisdom", "gain understanding", or "develop insight" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "grows in wisdom" instead of "grow in wisdom"?

Yes, "grows in wisdom" is correct when referring to a singular subject in the present tense. For example, "He grows in wisdom with each passing year," whereas "grow in wisdom" is used for plural subjects or in general statements.