grow to

USAGE SUMMARY

"grow to" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to refer to something becoming larger, or extending in size. For example: "The family's small garden quickly grew to encompass most of their backyard."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Will your children grow to resent you?

Independent

Puffballs also can grow to impressive sizes.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Yet Heathrow cannot grow to meet demand.

The Economist

They grow to half an inch long.

The New York Times - Health

The males can grow to 650 pounds.

The New York Times

Topaz crystals can grow to massive proportions.

Britannica

And she might grow to 14 feet.

The New York Times

Most species grow to substantial size.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It will grow to 7m.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It can grow to 7% by 2020.

The Guardian

But trees don't grow to the sky".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "grow to" to describe gradual increases in size, quantity, or appreciation. It is best suited when emphasizing a process of change over time.

Common error

Avoid using "grow to" when describing a fixed state or characteristic. Instead, use verbs like "is", "are", or "measures" to describe static attributes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "grow to" primarily functions as a verb phrase, indicating a process of gradual change or development. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples, demonstrating its versatility in describing increases in size, appreciation, or other qualities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "grow to" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe a gradual process of becoming. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and widespread usage, highlighting its prevalence in news, science, and encyclopedic contexts. While generally neutral in register, its formality can shift depending on the surrounding language. To use it effectively, focus on emphasizing the process of change rather than describing static attributes. Remember to explore related phrases like "develop into" or "evolve into" for nuanced expressions. By following these guidelines, you can confidently and accurately incorporate the phrase "grow to" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

develop into

This alternative suggests a more complex or significant transformation over time.

evolve into

Implies a gradual and often natural process of change and development.

increase to

Focuses specifically on a numerical or measurable increase.

expand to

Suggests an increase in size, scope, or extent.

rise to

Indicates an upward movement or growth, often in a metaphorical sense.

mature into

Implies a process of becoming fully developed or adult.

progress to

Suggests a forward movement or advancement towards a particular stage.

advance to

Similar to progress, but may imply a more deliberate or strategic movement.

transform into

Indicates a complete change in form or appearance.

morph into

Suggests a gradual and subtle change, often in a visual or physical sense.

FAQs

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

"Grow to" is used to describe a process of becoming larger, more developed, or more significant over time. For example, "The company "grew to" become a market leader."

What are some alternatives to using "grow to"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "develop into", "evolve into", or "increase to" to convey similar meanings.

Is there a difference between "grow to" and "grew to"?

"Grow to" is the base form, while "grew to" is the past tense. Use "grew to" when describing something that has already happened in the past.

When is it not appropriate to use "grow to"?

Avoid using "grow to" when describing something static or unchanging. Instead, opt for verbs that describe a current state, like "is" or "are".