that might grow

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that might grow" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate the potential for something to increase or develop over time. Example: "The investment is in a startup that might grow significantly in the next few years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

My only luxuries were books - used or borrowed where possible - and anything that might grow into something edible.

The Guardian

I am more worried about the negative sentiment that might grow because of Trump than what he will actually do.

The Guardian - Opinion

"In other words, an economy that might grow by 30% in the period to 2020, would instead grow by 29%," said the committee.

The Guardian

On it he placed a peasant's pipe and tobacco and behind the chair a box of sprouting onions, a symbol of nature and the new life that might grow from art.

The Economist

Mr. McLaughlin, effectively the oak's personal physician through its final 28 years of life, talks of the distinct possibility of resurrection via a sucker sprout that might grow across another five centuries.

The New York Times

Other people say that becoming better educated about genuine and imagined risks may also be the only way to protect oneself from a government that might grow too powerful in its role as protector.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

Was it possible that output might grow so great that there would not be a market for it all?

Encyclopedia Britannica

Broadly, fruits that you might grow in your home garden can be classed into 2 groups: those that grow on trees and those that grow on shrubs.

WikiHow

So as the exhausted Arizona senator called it quits on Thursday, he expressed the hope that he had started something that might yet grow into a political movement.

The New York Times

But the exam, called a colonoscopy, unequivocally saves lives, because it allows doctors to detect and promptly remove polyps that might otherwise grow into cancerous tumors.

The New York Times - Health

As it can happen that a person has a tumor that might not grow big enough during the course of his lifetime that would further endanger his life.

Journal of International Humanitarian Action

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing concrete objects or organisms, consider alternatives like "that could expand" or "that may flourish" to convey a sense of physical growth or vitality.

Common error

While "that might grow" is acceptable in various settings, avoid overusing it in highly formal or scientific writing. Opt for more precise terms like "that could increase" or "that may expand" to enhance clarity and sophistication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that might grow" functions as a relative clause introducing a modal verb construction. It modifies a preceding noun, indicating a potential for future development. As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use in a variety of contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "that might grow" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to indicate the potential for future development or increase. As supported by Ludwig AI, it sees frequent use in news, academic, and business contexts. While generally neutral in register, writers should consider more precise alternatives in highly formal settings. Common substitutes include "that could develop", "that may increase", and "that could expand", depending on the specific nuance desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that could develop

Emphasizes possibility and gradual unfolding.

that may increase

Focuses on the potential for numerical growth or intensification.

that could expand

Highlights the possibility of physical or conceptual enlargement.

that may flourish

Suggests a vibrant and successful development.

that could arise

Indicates the potential for something to come into existence.

that may emerge

Focuses on the potential for something to become visible or known.

that might evolve

Highlights the possibility of gradual change and transformation.

that could spread

Emphasizes the potential for something to become widely distributed.

that may strengthen

Focuses on the possibility of becoming more robust or resilient.

that might intensify

Suggests a potential increase in strength or degree.

FAQs

How can I use "that might grow" in a sentence?

You can use "that might grow" to describe something with the potential for future development or increase, such as "an economy that might grow" or "a sentiment that might grow".

What are some alternatives to "that might grow"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "that could develop", "that may increase", or "that could expand".

Is "that might grow" formal or informal?

"That might grow" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though more precise language might be preferable in highly formal writing.

What's the difference between "that might grow" and "that is growing"?

"That might grow" indicates a potential for future growth, while "that is growing" describes something currently in the process of growing. The former implies uncertainty, while the latter indicates a present action.