grow old

USAGE SUMMARY

"grow old" is a perfectly acceptable sentence in written English.
It can be used to describe the aging process, or to express a desire to spend a long time together with someone. For example: "I hope we can grow old together."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

I grow old.

The New Yorker

Children grow old.

The Economist

We'll grow old together".

The New York Times

Humans grow old.

The Economist

Who's waiting to grow old?

The New York Times - Books

We see him grow old.

The New Yorker

These things never grow old.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

Child stars grow older, too.

The New Yorker

We all grow older.

The New York Times

People grow older.

The New Yorker

As they grow older, their opportunities dwindle.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the connotation when using "grow old". It can imply wisdom, experience, or decline, depending on the context.

Common error

Avoid using "grow old" in contexts where a passive construction is more appropriate. For example, instead of "He was grown old by the war", use "The war made him grow old quickly" or "The war aged him prematurely".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "grow old" functions primarily as a verb phrase. It describes the process of aging, either in a general sense (as Ludwig AI confirms is correct), or as a shared experience (e.g., "We'll grow old together"). It is found in both descriptive and aspirational contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "grow old" is a common and versatile expression used to describe the aging process. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and can be used in various contexts, from expressing a simple fact about aging to conveying a deep desire for a shared future with someone. Its usage spans across news, academic writing, and casual conversation. While seemingly straightforward, its connotations can range from wisdom and experience to decline and regret, depending on the surrounding context. Considering these nuances will enhance the clarity and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

age together

This alternative focuses on the shared experience of aging with someone.

reach old age

This phrase highlights attaining a specific stage of life.

become elderly

This focuses on the state of being old.

live a long life

This alternative emphasizes the duration of life rather than the process of aging.

advance in years

This alternative offers a more formal way of describing the process of aging.

get on in years

An informal expression describing the advancement of age.

see the sunset years

This phrase uses a metaphorical expression for the later stages of life.

spend your remaining years

This emphasizes how time will be spent, especially in later life.

mature with time

This alternative suggests a positive aspect of aging, focusing on gaining wisdom and experience.

wither with age

This alternative emphasizes the physical decline associated with aging.

FAQs

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

You can use "grow old" to describe the aging process, such as "We all grow old eventually". It can also express a desire for a long-term relationship, like "I hope we "age together"".

What are some alternatives to "grow old"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "get older", "reach old age", or "advance in years".

Is it correct to say "grow older" instead of "grow old"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct and widely used. "Get older" simply emphasizes the process of aging, while "grow old" can also refer to the state of being old or the shared experience of aging with someone.

What's the difference between "grow old" and "age"?

"Grow old" is a more descriptive phrase that emphasizes the process of aging, often with emotional connotations. "Age" is a more general term that simply refers to the passage of time or the process of becoming older.