What does the phrasal verb “grow apart” mean?

What are the definitions of “grow apart”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. Become distant, stop having a close relationship because time, distance, interests, etc, have changed.

  We used to be good friends at school but have since GROWN APART.

What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “grow apart”?

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb grow apart is to become distant or stop having a close relationship with someone due to changes in time, distance, interests, or other factors. It often refers to friendships or relationships that were once strong but have weakened over time.

What are the different verb forms of “grow apart”?

Root Verb	grow apart
Third Person Singular Present	grows apart
Present Participle	growing apart
Simple Past	grew apart
Past Participle	grown apart

Example

My childhood friends and I have grown apart over the years.

Example

As they get older, it's natural that the group of friends grows apart.

Example

We are growing apart as our interests and priorities change.

Example

After college, we grew apart and lost touch with each other.

Example

They have grown apart since they moved to different cities.

What kind of phrasal verb is “grow apart”?

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

What is a transitive and intransitive verb?
- A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.)
- An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)

Intransitive verb

“grow apart” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.

Example

We grew apart after high school.

Example

Their friendship grew apart as they pursued different careers.

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb?
- A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle.
- An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.

Inseparable

“grow apart” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.

Example

We grew apart after high school.

Example

Their friendship grew apart as they pursued different careers.

What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “grow apart”?

Grow apart from someone

To become distant or less close to a specific person.

Example

I grew apart from my best friend when she moved to another country.

Grow apart over time

To gradually become distant or less close over a period of time.

Example

Our interests changed, and we grew apart over time.

Grow apart due to distance

To become distant or less close because of physical distance.

Example

Living in different cities caused us to grow apart due to distance.

Good things to know

Does “grow apart” have an informal or formal tone?

Grow apart is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal discussions about relationships and personal connections.

What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “grow apart”?

Synonyms

• drift apart
• become distant
• lose touch
• become estranged
• distance oneself

Antonyms

• reconnect
• grow closer
• become closer
• strengthen bonds
• maintain closeness