growing larger

USAGE SUMMARY

"growing larger" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is a phrase that describes something increasing in size or becoming bigger. You can use it when describing a physical object, a concept, or a group of people or things that are expanding or becoming more significant. Example: The tree in their backyard was growing larger each year, reaching towards the sky with its branches stretching wider and wider.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Are these starting-gate disparities growing larger?

Stanford University

The distance is growing larger and larger.

University of California, Berkeley

It's a small world that is growing larger.

The New York Times - Sports

The world is shrinking and James is growing larger.

The New York Times - Sports

As women's suits are shrinking, men's are growing larger.

The New York Times

Feet change with age, often growing larger and wider.

Harvard University

And in some cases, growing larger brings its own challenges.

The Economist

Alexander thinks, his large nose is growing larger.

The New Yorker

Thurber's books were among them, his signature growing larger and shakier as his eyesight failed.

The New York Times

With networks growing larger every day, independently configured access points became unmanageable.

The Guardian

Growing larger yet, as if he has absorbed their stares, he nears us.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing gradual changes over time, "growing larger" can be effective. For instance, "The company is growing larger each quarter."

Common error

While "growing larger" is generally acceptable, in formal writing, consider using more precise alternatives like "expanding" or "increasing in size" for greater clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "growing larger" functions as a verb phrase, typically part of a continuous verb tense (e.g., "is growing larger"). It describes an ongoing process of increasing in size or magnitude. Ludwig provides examples across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Academia

20%

Science

13%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "growing larger" is a versatile and commonly used phrase signifying an increase in size or magnitude. Ludwig AI indicates that it's grammatically sound and widely applicable across diverse contexts, including news, academia, and science. While generally neutral in register, more precise alternatives may be preferred in formal writing. The phrase's frequent use in reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its reliability and broad acceptance in contemporary English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

enlarging

A more formal term directly referring to making something bigger.

expanding

Focuses on the idea of spreading out or increasing in scope, rather than just size.

increasing

Implies a rise in quantity, number, or degree, which may or may not relate to physical size.

ballooning

Implies a rapid and often uncontrolled increase in size.

swelling

Suggests an increase in size due to internal pressure or expansion, often with a negative connotation.

augmenting

Suggests adding to something to increase its size or value.

magnifying

Implies making something appear larger, often through optical means, rather than actually growing.

widening

Specifically refers to an increase in width.

extending

Implies increasing in length or reach.

multiplying

Indicates a rapid increase in number or amount, rather than physical size.

FAQs

What does "growing larger" mean?

The phrase "growing larger" means increasing in size, scope, or extent. It describes something that is becoming bigger or more significant over time.

What are some synonyms for "growing larger"?

Some synonyms for "growing larger" include "expanding", "increasing", and "enlarging". The best choice depends on the specific context.

How can I use "growing larger" in a sentence?

You can use "growing larger" to describe physical objects, abstract concepts, or groups. For example, "The universe is growing larger" or "Her responsibilities are growing larger at work."

Is it always appropriate to use "growing larger" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, in formal writing it may be more appropriate to use a more precise term like "expanding", "increasing" in size, or "enlarging" for greater clarity. Using more specific language adds precision to your writing.