GROW UP

National Parks

📖 Definition

The phrasal verb 'grow up' refers to the process of maturing from a child into an adult, both physically and emotionally.

Examples in context

📖 Definition

The phrasal verb 'grow up' refers to the process of maturing from a child into an adult, both physically and emotionally.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable
No
The verb and particle cannot be separated.
Register
Neutral
It is used in everyday conversations without formal constraints.
Transitive
No
This phrasal verb does not take a direct object.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense Form Example
Present Simple grow up Most children grow up dreaming about their future.
Past Simple grew up She grew up in a small town near the coast.
Present Continuous growing up He is growing up so fast that his clothes don't fit.
Present Perfect have grown up They have grown up together since they were toddlers.

💡 When to Use

When discussing childhood to adulthood
Use when referring to the process of maturing physically and emotionally from a child to an adult.
Example: "He grew up in a loving family environment."
Describing personal development
Apply to scenarios where a person acquires maturity, often with increased responsibility or understanding.
Example: "As she grew up, she learned to manage her responsibilities."
Narrating past experiences
Use when recounting how someone spent their formative years, often with context or location details.
Example: "They grew up in the countryside and know a lot about farm life."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Using 'growed up' instead of 'grew up'
❌ Wrong: He growed up in London.
✅ Correct: He grew up in London.
💡 Tip: Remember, 'grew up' is the correct past tense.
Using intransitive 'grow up' with a direct object
❌ Wrong: They grew up a farm.
✅ Correct: They grew up on a farm.
💡 Tip: Use 'on' or 'in' for place context.
Incorrectly separating the phrasal verb
❌ Wrong: She grew her career up in town.
✅ Correct: She grew up her career in town.
💡 Tip: Avoid inserting words between 'grow' and 'up'.
Practice

GROW UP - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

  1. Listen and repeat the audio as many times as needed to improve your pronunciation
  2. Use the audio as a dictation exercise, trying to write what you hear and understand
  3. Create a new sentence following the structure of the example sentences

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

mature develop

Antonyms

remain childish

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"Children often dream about what they want to be when they ________."

grown up
grow up
grows up
growing up

"As children grow up, they learn that maturity is more about self-discovery than simply age."

In Context

Anne Frank, a young Jewish girl, grew up in the shadow of World War II. Born in 1929, she spent her early years in Frankfurt. However, as the Nazi regime rose to power, her family moved to Amsterdam in hopes of finding safety. In the annex of her father's business, Anne was forced to grow up quickly, adapting to a life of confinement, fear, and uncertainty. Despite these circumstances, she maintained her studies and nurtured her love for writing, documenting her experiences in what would become her world-renowned diary. Within its pages, Anne's reflections show her evolving understanding of humanity and the struggles of growing up in such hard times. Tragically, Anne never saw the end of the war. She died in 1945 in the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp, shortly before it was liberated. Her diary, however, provides a poignant insight into how a young girl grew up amid the chaos of war, serving as a lasting testament to her spirit and creativity. The diary is not merely a record of her short life but a profound commentary on the complexities of adolescence in an unprecedented era.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Grow Up

What is the origin of grow up?

+
The phrase 'grow up' has Middle English origins, evolving from Old English terms related to growth and maturity, reflecting the journey from childhood into adulthood.

Can grow up be used in formal and informal contexts?

+
Yes, 'grow up' can be used in both contexts. In formal writing, it often depicts mature development, while in informal settings, it connotes casual storytelling.

What is the difference between grow up and mature?

+
While 'grow up' indicates a general transition from child to adult, 'mature' implies advanced emotional or intellectual development, often irrespective of age.

Related Phrasal Verbs

Explore more phrasal verbs in our dictionary:

bring upgrow intogrow out ofgrow ongrow apart
Browse All National Parks Phrasal Verbs
National Parks Phrasal Verbs - WeeklyCross
Alessandra Nóbrega
About the Author

Alessandra Nóbrega

History teacher who fell in love with English! This passion led me to specialize in languages and work on bilingual education projects. With 37 years in education, I believe learning should be meaningful – not just memorization.

Learn more about my journey



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