grown upon

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "grown upon" is not standard in written English and may cause confusion.
It can be used in contexts where you want to express that something has developed or increased in significance or affection over time. Example: "Over the years, my appreciation for classical music has truly grown upon me."

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

Then, the 40-nm-thick CdTe layer was grown upon the upper barrier layer.

Nanoscale Research Letters

Hap was gradually grown upon the Xan-matrix surface with increasing number of soaking cycles due to the ionic interactions between calcium cations and carboxyl groups.

Carbohydrate Polymers

By cooling the substrate and controlling its spin rate, two spiral-like and one screw-like gold nanohelix arrays are grown upon the seeded surfaces.

Nanoscale Research Letters

Moreover, no peaks from the Ni substrate are detected, suggesting that the NiO nanosheets are uniformly grown upon the Ni foam surface.

Nanoscale Research Letters

Undoped GaN (u-GaN) buffer layer and then Si-doped n-type GaN (n-GaN) with a thickness of 3 and 3.3 μm are grown upon PSSs.

Nanoscale Research Letters

A 10.6-nm AlN thin film was grown upon the surface of the HEMT serving as the gate dielectric under the gate electrode and as the passivation layer in the access region at the same time.

Nanoscale Research Letters

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

As a group, ferns are either terrestrial or epiphytic (growing upon another plant).

Encyclopedia Britannica

He describes the landlord who, admiring his fields, consumes in his imagination "the whole harvest that grows upon them".

The New York Times

Epiphyte, also called air plant, any plant that grows upon another plant or object merely for physical support.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"I find the Carlophilipemanuelbachomania grow upon me so, that almost everything else is insipid to me," wrote an English enthusiast in 1774.

The Guardian - Opinion

Later, he was to call that book "a symbol of the anti-imperialism which had been growing upon me more and more in my last years in Ceylon".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "grown upon", ensure the context clearly indicates that something is developing or being added to a pre-existing base or idea. Be mindful that more common alternatives like "grown on" might be preferred for broader acceptance.

Common error

Avoid using "grown upon" in informal settings where "grown on" is more natural. For example, instead of saying "The idea has grown upon me", opt for "The idea has grown on me" to maintain a conversational tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "grown upon" primarily functions as a phrasal verb indicating that something has developed or been added to a surface or foundation, either physically or conceptually. Ludwig shows its use in scientific contexts, such as layers grown on substrates, as well as in more abstract senses like ideas growing upon someone.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

25%

Encyclopedias

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while grammatically acceptable, "grown upon" is an uncommon phrasal verb that suggests something has developed or accumulated on a surface or foundation. Ludwig indicates its use is more prevalent in scientific, news, and encyclopedic contexts. However, the Ludwig AI highlights that this phrase is not standard and might cause confusion, so consider more common alternatives like "grown on" depending on your intended meaning. Be mindful of the context to ensure the phrase aligns with its specific connotation of physical or conceptual layering.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

developed on

Focuses on the aspect of expansion or detailing, but may apply to different dimensions of expansion (scope vs. physical).

built upon

Emphasizes the construction or accumulation of something on a foundation.

expanded on

Highlights the increase in detail or scope of a topic or idea.

elaborated on

Implies a more detailed and intricate development of a subject.

improved upon

Suggests an enhancement or refinement of an existing thing or process.

based on

Indicates a foundation or starting point for something else.

impacted by

Focuses on the influence or effect one thing has on another.

influenced by

Suggests a more subtle or indirect effect on something.

followed from

Indicates a logical consequence or result of a previous action.

stemmed from

Suggests a direct origin or source of something.

FAQs

How can I use "grown upon" in a sentence?

Use "grown upon" to describe something that has developed or increased over time, often in relation to a physical or conceptual base. For example: "The algae had "grown upon" the rocks."

What's the difference between "grown upon" and "grown on"?

"Grown upon" usually implies a physical layering or building, while "grown on" typically refers to an increase in liking or appreciation over time. Using "grown upon" to express affection could sound unnatural.

Is "grown upon" grammatically correct?

Yes, "grown upon" is grammatically correct, but it's less common than alternatives. Its specific meaning relates to physical or conceptual development on a base, so ensure the context fits this meaning.

What are some alternatives to "built upon"?

Instead of "built upon", consider using phrases like "developed on", "expanded on", or "elaborated on", depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.