they grew up

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they grew up" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the process of maturing or developing from childhood to adulthood. Example: "They grew up in a small town, where they learned the value of community and hard work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

They grew up together.

The New York Times

They grew up on me.

The New Yorker

"They grew up here".

The New York Times

Where they grew up.

The New York Times

It is time they grew up.

The Economist

They grew up in young societies.

The Economist

They grew up in northern Ohio.

The New York Times - Sports

They grew up in very controlled societies.

The New York Times

They grew up in the same towns.

The New York Times

They grew up a little that day.

The New York Times - Sports

— They grew up in minivans.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "they grew up", consider adding context about the environment or circumstances in which they developed to provide a more complete picture. For example, "They grew up in a time of great social change" offers more information than simply "they grew up".

Common error

Avoid using "they grew up" as a standalone statement without providing any context. This can leave the reader wondering where or under what conditions this growth occurred. Adding details enriches the narrative and provides a clearer understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they grew up" functions as a verb phrase indicating the process of maturing from childhood to adulthood. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. Examples show it describing formative experiences and environmental influences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

HuffPost

7%

Science

3%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "they grew up" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe the maturation process from childhood to adulthood. Ludwig AI confirms its broad acceptability. It's versatile, appearing frequently in news, media, and general conversation. To maximize clarity and impact, consider adding context about the environment or experiences that shaped their development. Alternatives like "they were raised" or "they matured" can offer subtle shifts in emphasis. Be mindful of overgeneralization; providing specific details enhances understanding and engagement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they were raised

Focuses on the nurturing and environmental aspects of development.

they were brought up

Emphasizes the upbringing and moral instruction received during childhood.

they matured

Highlights the process of becoming fully developed, both physically and emotionally.

they developed

Focuses on the gradual process of growth and advancement in skills and abilities.

they spent their childhood

Specifically refers to the period of childhood and the experiences within it.

their formative years were spent

Highlights the impact of early years on shaping character and personality.

they came of age

Indicates the transition from adolescence to adulthood and the experiences that accompany it.

they were children

Focuses simply on the state of being a child during a specific period or location.

they passed their youth

Describes where and how youth was experienced.

they spent their early life

Emphasizes that the early years of the life were spent.

FAQs

How can I use "they grew up" in a sentence?

Use "they grew up" to describe the process of maturing or developing from childhood to adulthood. For instance, "They grew up in a small town, where they learned the value of community."

What are some alternatives to "they grew up"?

Consider alternatives such as "they were raised", "they were brought up", or "they matured" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "they grew up at" a place?

While grammatically acceptable, it's more common and natural to say "they grew up in" a place. The preposition "in" is generally preferred when specifying the location of their upbringing.

What's the difference between "they grew up" and "they were raised"?

"They grew up" focuses more on the natural process of development, while "they were raised" emphasizes the care and nurturing provided during childhood.