grow longer

USAGE SUMMARY

"grow longer" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is increasing in length or duration. For example, "As the night went on, the line outside the theater began to grow longer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Lives grow longer.

The New York Times

The queues will only grow longer.

The Economist

Orchestre Tropicana's songs get better as they grow longer.

The New York Times - Arts

I hope that list does not grow longer.

The Guardian - Opinion

As the days grow longer, the books do too.

The Guardian - Books

As the days grow shorter, the running times grow longer.

The New York Times

"The Poles are burrowing against incredible odds that grow longer by the day.

The New Yorker

As spring progresses, the days grow longer and more solar energy is intercepted.

Encyclopedia Britannica

As the play progresses, its scenes grow longer and more engrossing.

Independent

Up to a point, the boundary layer grows thicker as the lashes grow longer.

The Economist

Nights grow longer and days shorter, but like reds and whites, we still have both.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "grow longer" to describe a gradual increase in physical length or duration. For instance, "As the days pass, the shadows grow longer."

Common error

Be cautious when using "grow longer" with abstract concepts that are not typically measured in length. For example, avoid saying "My patience grows longer" as it's more appropriate to say "My patience is wearing thin."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "grow longer" functions as a verb phrase, indicating a process of increasing in length. As Ludwig AI states, it is a grammatically correct phrase. Examples show its use in describing physical objects, time, and abstract concepts metaphorically.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "grow longer" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe an increase in length or duration. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides numerous real-world examples across various domains. It's important to consider context when using this phrase, ensuring it aligns with the intended meaning and avoids misuse with abstract concepts. Alternative expressions like ""lengthen"" or "become extended" can be used depending on the desired nuance. The phrase maintains a neutral register, suitable for a broad range of writing styles. The widespread usage indicates its accessibility and relevance in contemporary English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lengthen

A more concise, single-word verb form conveying the same meaning.

elongate

A more formal term for making something longer.

become extended

Focuses on the state of being extended rather than the process of becoming longer.

increase in length

More explicit about the dimension of increase, specifying 'length'.

expand in length

Similar to 'increase in length' but uses 'expand' to suggest growth.

extend outwards

Emphasizes the direction of the growth or lengthening.

stretch out

Implies a pulling or elongation action.

draw out

Can imply lengthening in time or duration, as well as physical length.

get bigger

A more general term for increasing in size, not specifically length.

prolong

Typically used for duration or time, rather than physical length.

FAQs

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

You can use "grow longer" to describe a physical increase in length. For example, "As the plant matures, its roots "grow longer" and stronger".

What is a single-word substitute for "grow longer"?

A single-word substitute for "grow longer" is "lengthen". For instance, instead of saying "the days grow longer", you can say "the days "lengthen"".

Is it correct to say "grow more long" instead of "grow longer"?

While "grow more long" might seem grammatically similar, ""grow longer"" is the standard and more natural way to express an increase in length. "Grow longer" is more idiomatic.

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

Both ""grow longer"" and "become longer" express an increase in length, but ""grow longer"" implies a more gradual, natural process. "Become longer" is more general and can apply to any process that results in increased length.