grow older

USAGE SUMMARY

"grow older" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to the process of getting older. For example, "As we grow older, we often gain a better understanding of ourselves and the world."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Child stars grow older, too.

The New Yorker

People grow older.

The New Yorker

We all grow older.

The New York Times

As you grow older, it gets colder,.

The New Yorker

As they grow older, their opportunities dwindle.

Independent

They need to grow older before release.

The New York Times

Gloriously, they grow older disgracefully.

The Guardian

As we grow older, it gets harder.

The New York Times

But Lulu helped me grow older.

The Guardian - Music

Life changes as you grow older.

The New York Times

Most companies mellow as they grow older.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "grow older" to emphasize the continuous process of aging, rather than a static state. This phrase works well when discussing changes and developments that occur over time.

Common error

Avoid using "grow older" interchangeably with terms that imply decline or deterioration. While aging involves changes, "grow older" can also suggest gaining wisdom and experience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "grow older" functions primarily as an intransitive verb phrase, describing the process of aging. Ludwig AI confirms this phrase is both correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "grow older" is a versatile and commonly used expression to describe the process of aging. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts. It functions as an intransitive verb phrase, focusing on the gradual changes and developments associated with the passage of time. While it maintains a neutral register, it frequently appears in "News & Media" and "Science", making it suitable for both formal and informal communication. Keep in mind that while aging involves changes, "grow older" can also suggest gaining wisdom and experience. Some alternatives are "age", "mature", or "advance in years".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

age

A more concise term for the process of growing older.

mature

Focuses on the development of wisdom and experience over time.

advance in years

A more formal and literary way to describe getting older.

get on in years

An informal way to describe progressing in age.

reach old age

Highlights the attainment of a more advanced age.

enter old age

Similar to 'reach old age', emphasizing the transition.

become elderly

Focuses on the state of being old.

see the years pass

Emphasizes the passage of time and the aging process.

live long

Highlights the duration of life and the opportunity to age.

progress through life

Focuses on the journey of life and the changes that come with aging.

FAQs

What does "grow older" mean?

"Grow older" refers to the process of aging or advancing in years. It implies a gradual progression through life stages, often associated with changes in physical appearance, wisdom, and experience.

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

You can use "grow older" in various contexts, such as "As we "grow older", our perspectives often change" or "They need to "grow older" before release".

Are there other ways to say "grow older"?

Yes, you can use alternatives like "age", "mature", or "advance in years" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "grow older" and "become old"?

"Grow older" emphasizes the process of aging, while "become old" focuses on reaching a state of old age. "Grow older" suggests a gradual transition, whereas "become old" implies a more definitive change in status.