growing

USAGE SUMMARY

"growing" is an appropriate word to use in written English.
You can use it as an adjective to describe something that is increasing, expanding, or developing over time. For example: "The popularity of online shopping is growing rapidly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"But there seems to be growing irritation towards how international obligations operate.

The Guardian

Sheila Scott, chief executive of the National Care Association, which represents many smaller care home providers, said care costs could in many instances be approaching two-thirds of total fees because of the growing dependency of people entering residential care.

The Guardian

The growing gulf between Saudi Arabia and its more sceptical western partners is nowhere more apparent than in the key area of security and defence cooperation, upon which the relationship was founded in 1915.

The Guardian

He noted "that once hollowed-out city centres are thriving again, with growing universities, iconic museums and cultural events, and with huge improvements to the quality of life".

The Guardian

If you'd seen what I'd seen in the restaurant my dad ran when I was growing up, the crap we had to put up with from drunks, the puke I had to clean out of the toilets on a Friday and Saturday night, you would know it is not just a religious issue with me.

The Guardian

If anything, it confirmed a growing perception that Kennedy's MPs remained too loyal to him for too long Hurst's book will still find plenty of buyers at Brighton, but not because of a hunger for more scandal about the former Liberal Democrat leader.

The Guardian - Opinion

Visas can be arranged through Footloose Sea kayaking was invented in Greenland by Inuit hunters as a means of pursuing seals and whales, but today it is growing in popularity among holidaymakers keen to get up close to the majestic icebergs around the coast.

The Guardian - Travel

Grassroots movements to boycott Indonesian tourist spots and products are growing.

The Guardian

Paul Thomas, a University of Huddersfield professor and the author of studies of Prevent, thinks the list of designated areas will keep growing.

The Guardian

To negate as much shell-shock as possible, you'll have been kicking-off and growing your business on the side while still toiling at your 9 5.

The Guardian

A growing number of studies certainly show they're convinced that it's their inbred talents that make them wealthy and successful – and that if the rest of us don't share their status, it's simply because we don't share their traits.

The Guardian - Money

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "growing", consider the specific nuance you want to convey – is it about increasing in size, developing in complexity, or simply becoming more prevalent? Choose synonyms if a more precise meaning is needed.

Common error

Avoid using "growing" as a generic descriptor. Replace it with more specific terms like "expanding", "developing", or "increasing" to provide greater clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "growing" is as a present participle or gerund, often acting as a verb in continuous tenses (e.g., "is growing") or as an adjective modifying a noun (e.g., "growing concern"). This aligns with Ludwig AI's assessment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

26%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "growing" functions primarily as a verb or adjective to denote a process of increase or development. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and suitability across diverse contexts. Its neutral register and very common usage, particularly within news and media, make it a versatile term for describing various trends and advancements. While acceptable, it's wise to consider synonyms like "increasing" or "developing" for added precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

increasing

Indicates a quantitative rise or augmentation.

expanding

Focuses on the physical or metaphorical enlargement of something.

developing

Emphasizes the process of maturation or advancement.

rising

Highlights an upward trend or elevation in status or quantity.

flourishing

Suggests a state of thriving and vigorous growth.

escalating

Implies a rapid and often concerning increase.

proliferating

Denotes a rapid increase in number or abundance.

maturing

Focuses on reaching full development or potential.

advancing

Highlights progress and forward movement.

building

Emphasizes the gradual accumulation and construction of something.

FAQs

How can I use "growing" in a sentence?

"Growing" can be used as a verb (e.g., "The plant is growing") or an adjective (e.g., "the growing concern"). It indicates an increase or development over time.

What are some alternatives to "growing"?

You can use alternatives such as "increasing", "expanding", or "developing" depending on the context.

Is "growing" a formal or informal word?

"Growing" is generally considered a neutral term suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, the specific context might suggest a more precise alternative.

What's the difference between "growing" and "increasing"?

"Growing" often implies a more organic or natural development, while "increasing" suggests a more measurable or quantitative rise. For example, a population is "growing", while sales are "increasing".