A11K

Grow

UK /["/ɡrəʊ/","/ɡrəʊz/","/ɡruː/","/ɡrəʊn/","/ˈɡrəʊɪŋ/"]/US /["/ɡrəʊ/","/ɡrəʊz/","/ɡruː/","/ɡrəʊn/","/ˈɡrəʊɪŋ/"]/

Definition

to increase in size, number, strength or quality

In simple words: to become bigger or to develop

Examples

  • I want to grow a garden in my backyard.
  • Children grow quickly during their first few years.
  • We need to grow our business to be successful.
  • Plants grow towards the sunlight.
  • You will grow as a person through new experiences.

Usage notes

Used in various contexts, from plants to personal development. Can be used informally when talking about emotions, but be careful not to use it too formally.

Grammar pattern

grow + object

Memory hint

Think of a plant growing - it gets bigger over time.

Collocations

  • fast
  • quickly
  • rapidly
  • seem to
  • begin to
  • start to
  • at
  • by
  • from
  • fast
  • quickly
  • rapidly
  • into
  • to
  • organically
  • commercially
  • locally
  • be easy to
  • grow something from seed
  • well
  • poorly
  • fast
  • allow something to
  • let something
  • from
  • into
  • to
  • grow unchecked

Synonyms

  • increase
  • expand
  • develop
  • mature
  • advance

Antonyms

  • shrink
  • decrease
  • diminish

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'grows' and 'growing' in tenses.
  • Using 'grow' without an object when it's needed.
  • Mixing up 'grow' with 'grown'.