it grew

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it grew" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the process of something increasing in size, quantity, or intensity over time. Example: "As the season progressed, it grew warmer, and the flowers began to bloom."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It grew.

The New York Times

It grew fast.

The Economist

Actually it grew.

The New York Times

And so it grew.

The New York Times

It grew worse.

The New York Times

It grew and grew.

The New Yorker

Instead, it grew bigger.

The New York Times

But, it grew.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

It grew on a vector".

The New Yorker

It grew quiet and cold.

The New Yorker

But it grew on him.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it grew", consider adding descriptive details that illustrate the manner of growth. For example, specify whether "it grew rapidly", "it grew organically", or "it grew steadily".

Common error

Avoid using "it grew" as a vague description. Always provide context about what specifically grew, and if possible, how it grew. For example, instead of just saying "the company grew", specify "the company grew its revenue by 20%" or "the company grew its customer base through social media marketing".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it grew" primarily functions as a verb phrase indicating the past tense of growth or development. According to Ludwig AI, it’s used to describe how something increased in size, quantity, or intensity over time. The examples show its versatility in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Academia

13%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Science

4%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it grew" is a versatile and commonly used phrase to describe the process of increase or development over time. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct and adaptable across diverse contexts. While the phrase is suitable for various registers, providing specific details about the nature of the growth enhances clarity. Predominantly found in news and media sources, "it grew" effectively communicates evolution and progression in narratives and analytical writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it expanded

Focuses on the increase in size or scope.

it developed

Emphasizes a process of maturation or improvement.

it increased

Highlights a numerical or measurable growth.

it enlarged

Implies making something physically bigger.

it progressed

Suggests forward movement or advancement.

it flourished

Indicates thriving or successful growth.

it escalated

Describes a rapid or intensified increase.

it evolved

Highlights gradual change and adaptation.

it matured

Focuses on reaching full development.

it spread

Indicates a wider distribution or reach.

FAQs

How can I use "it grew" in a sentence?

You can use "it grew" to describe the increase in size, quantity, or intensity of something over time. For example, "The business started small, but "it grew" rapidly after the new marketing campaign".

What are some alternatives to "it grew"?

Alternatives include "it expanded", "it developed", or "it increased", depending on the specific context of the growth you are describing.

Is "it grew" formal or informal?

"It grew" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. The formality depends more on the surrounding language and the overall tone of the writing.

What's the difference between "it grew" and "it has grown"?

"It grew" is simple past tense, indicating a completed action in the past. "It has grown" is present perfect tense, indicating an action that started in the past and continues to have relevance in the present. For example, "The city grew rapidly in the 19th century" versus "The city has grown significantly in recent years".