it grew to be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it grew to be" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the development or evolution of something over time, indicating that it has reached a certain state or condition. Example: "Over the years, the small startup grew to be a leading company in the tech industry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

It grew to be worth $78bn and employ more than 100,000 people.

The Guardian - Tech

Though limited almost exclusively to the South, it grew to be the nation's largest Protestant denomination.

The New York Times

Medicare was a desperately needed program, and it grew to be a wildly popular one.

The New York Times

The United Nations created the Congo peacekeeping mission in 1999, and it grew to be one of the world's largest, with more than 18,000 troops.

The New York Times

It grew to be a powerhouse and now operates in 22 countries, claiming to have 800 priests and 2,500 seminarians.

The New York Times

I started my first business when I was 21 – it grew to be one of the biggest traditional business brokers in the country with 30 to 40 staff.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

Where it grows: To be honest, almost everywhere wine grapes are planted, because it is so popular.

The Washington Post

It grows to be a very large plant - 8 feet (2.4m) tall and 4 feet (1.2m) wide.

WikiHow

Lack of finance meant that it stopped short of its intended terminus, but it gradually grew to be successful financially.

Wikipedia

"And if we don't manage it, it can grow to be big".

The New York Times

I had no idea it would grow to be as big as it has".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it grew to be" to describe a gradual process of development and transformation, emphasizing the end result of that growth.

Common error

Don't use "it grew to be" when describing an immediate or sudden transformation. This phrase emphasizes a gradual process, not an instantaneous change.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it grew to be" functions as a linking verb phrase connecting a subject to a description of its eventual state. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. Examples show its usage across various contexts to describe the development of something over time.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

21%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

9%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it grew to be" is a versatile expression used to describe the process of development and transformation over time. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and widespread use across various contexts, including news, encyclopedias, and scientific publications. While maintaining a neutral register, this phrase is particularly effective in highlighting the gradual evolution of a subject, emphasizing its eventual state. When writing, remember that "it grew to be" is best suited for processes that unfold over time, rather than sudden changes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it became

Direct substitution focusing on the end result of the growth.

it evolved into

Emphasizes a gradual transformation over time.

it developed into

Highlights the process of unfolding and maturing.

it matured into

Suggests a completion of growth and reaching full potential.

it transformed into

Implies a significant change in form or appearance.

it was eventually

Highlights the final outcome after a period of time.

it turned into

A more informal way of saying 'it became'.

it progressed to be

Focuses on the advancement and forward movement in development.

it expanded to be

Highlights the increasing size and scope of something.

it flourished into

Implies a successful and thriving development.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "it grew to be" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "it evolved into", "it developed into", or "it matured into".

Is there a difference between "it grew to be" and "it became"?

While both phrases indicate a change in state, "it grew to be" emphasizes a gradual development over time, whereas "it became" simply denotes the final state.

When is it appropriate to use "it grew to be" in writing?

Use "it grew to be" when describing a process of gradual development and transformation, such as the evolution of a company, a city, or a concept.

Are there any common mistakes to avoid when using "it grew to be"?

Avoid using "it grew to be" to describe sudden or instantaneous changes. This phrase is best suited for processes that unfold over time.