grow wise

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "grow wise" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the process of gaining wisdom or becoming more knowledgeable over time. Example: "Through years of experience and reflection, she began to grow wise in her understanding of life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

As stars grow wise to the autograph-collecting business, some choose to sign only one item per collector.

The New York Times - Magazine

We grow wise when we ought to be depressed, said the philosopher E. M. Cioran; wisdom is a way of controlling or defending ourselves against grief.

The New York Times - Books

And he said unto them, Ye shall study and grow wise in all things, and I shall not ask ye for gold.

The New Yorker

And his early love letters try to enlist her in a conspiracy of Peter Pans: "You mustn't look too grown-up, because you'd look older than me; and you'll never, I'll never let you, grow wise, and I'll never, you shall never let me, grow wise, and we'll always be young and unwise together".

The New Yorker

When Mildred marches into the place and shouts, "Hey, fuckhead!," he immediately answers, "What?" It's difficult to imagine how Dixon could ever grow up, let alone grow wise, yet something in the fuckhead strives to become other than what he was.

The New Yorker

If it doesn't continually replenish the scent, the ants grow wise and attack their uninvited guest.

Science Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

We don't seem to grow wiser as we grow older.

The New Yorker

Bodies grow wiser and more expressive over time, though ever more open to the ravages of loss.

The New Yorker

Bodies grow wiser and more expressive over time, though ever more open to the ravages of loss; look at them drift to and fro like sleepwalkers, in "Café Müller," to the sorrowful strains of Purcell.

The New Yorker

The second is a misguided adaptation that, though it follows more or less the same story line, doesn't understand that the novel's appeal is based on the subtle shifts in relationships within a small community as four girls grow wiser.

The New York Times

WASHINGTON, D.C. People may grow wiser with age, but they don't grow smarter.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "grow wise" when you want to emphasize a gradual and natural progression toward wisdom, often as a result of experience or learning.

Common error

Avoid using "grow wise" when referring to a sudden realization or a specific piece of knowledge gained instantly. "Become wise" or "gain insight" might be more appropriate in those cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "grow wise" functions as a verb phrase indicating a process of intellectual and experiential maturation. It is used to describe how someone gradually attains wisdom, as supported by the examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

30%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "grow wise" is a verb phrase that describes the gradual development of wisdom over time. Ludwig AI affirms that this phrase is grammatically sound, although less common than alternatives like "become wiser" or "gain wisdom". Its neutral register makes it appropriate for use across various contexts, particularly in news and media, science, and general writing. When using "grow wise", consider whether you are emphasizing a gradual process, as opposed to a sudden realization, to ensure its nuance is properly conveyed. By considering these points, writers can effectively and accurately incorporate "grow wise" into their vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Become wiser

Simple verb replacement for a more direct expression.

Gain wisdom

Replaces "grow" with "gain", focusing on acquisition of wisdom.

Develop wisdom

"Develop" emphasizes a gradual unfolding of understanding.

Mature in understanding

Highlights maturity as a factor in gaining wisdom.

Advance in knowledge

Focuses on the increase of knowledge as a path to wisdom.

Cultivate wisdom

Emphasizes the active effort in acquiring wisdom.

Deepen understanding

Focuses on making one's current understanding more profound.

Enhance one's insight

Highlights the improvement of one's perceptive abilities.

Acquire sagacity

Uses a more formal term for wisdom, "sagacity".

Learn from experience

Focuses on the practical learning aspect of growing wise.

FAQs

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

You can use "grow wise" to describe a gradual increase in wisdom over time, as in, "Through years of experience and reflection, she began to grow wise in her understanding of life."

What's a good substitute for "grow wise"?

Alternatives include "become wiser", "gain wisdom", or "develop wisdom" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "grow wiser" instead of "grow wise"?

Both "grow wise" and "grow wiser" are grammatically acceptable, but "grow wise" is less common. "Grow wiser" emphasizes a comparative increase in wisdom.

What does it mean to "grow wise"?

To "grow wise" means to gradually gain wisdom and understanding through experience, learning, or reflection. It suggests a natural progression towards greater insight.