grow out of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'grow out of' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are talking about outgrowing something or when something is a stage that a person goes through and eventually grows out of. For example: "As a teenager, he had a rebellious streak but he quickly grew out of it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They grow out of it".

The New York Times - Sports

"She'll grow out of it".

The New York Times

They grow out of human characters".

The New York Times - Books

Roses grow out of the gravel.

The Economist

Collaborations grow out of chance encounters.

The Economist

They will soon grow out of that.

The New York Times - Books

"Flowers grow out of manure".

The New York Times - Sports

We'll grow out of it".

The New York Times - Sports

You'll grow out of that".

The New Yorker

Or "Maybe she'll grow out of it.

The New Yorker

"Most likely, she'll grow out of it.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "grow out of" to describe the process of maturing beyond a specific interest, habit, or even a physical item like clothes. It accurately conveys the idea of natural progression and change.

Common error

Avoid using "grow out of" solely for physical growth. While it applies to outgrowing clothes, remember it's also effective for describing the abandonment of behaviors, beliefs, or phases of life.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "grow out of" functions primarily to describe the process of maturing beyond a certain stage, interest, or even physical item. As Ludwig AI highlights, this can refer to both tangible and intangible things, such as outgrowing clothes or abandoning a childish belief.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Academia

18%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

15%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "grow out of" is a versatile and commonly used expression that describes the process of maturing beyond a certain stage, interest, or physical item. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and applicability in various contexts. As exemplified by the numerous examples, it is frequently found in news media, academic texts, and informal conversations. When choosing alternatives, consider options like "outgrow", "mature beyond", or "move past" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Remember to use it accurately, considering its scope and appropriate application.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

outgrow

This alternative is shorter and implies surpassing something in size, age, or development.

evolve beyond

This alternative suggests a gradual development past a certain stage or limitation.

transcend

This alternative refers to rising above or beyond the limitations of something.

mature beyond

This alternative suggests exceeding a level of maturity or sophistication.

surpass

This alternative is a more formal term for exceeding or excelling beyond a specific point.

move past

This alternative is less specific and indicates leaving something behind, often an issue or problem.

get past

This alternative indicates successfully overcoming a challenge or obstacle.

leave behind

This alternative suggests abandoning or transcending a former state or behavior.

rise above

This alternative implies overcoming something challenging or negative.

get over

This alternative is more informal and often refers to recovering from an emotional experience or illness.

FAQs

How can I use "grow out of" in a sentence?

You can use "grow out of" to describe maturing past an interest or phase, such as "He used to love video games, but he'll "grow out of" it eventually".

What's the difference between "grow out of" and "outgrow"?

"Grow out of" often implies a gradual process of maturation or change, while "outgrow" can refer more directly to exceeding something in size or capacity.

What can I say instead of "grow out of"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "mature beyond", "move past", or "evolve beyond".

Is it correct to say someone will "grow out of" a serious medical condition?

While it's sometimes used to express hope, it's generally more accurate to say someone will "recover from" or "go into remission" when referring to medical conditions, unless it's a condition that naturally resolves with age.