What are the definitions of “grow back”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Grow again.
Nails GROW BACK quickly after you cut them.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “grow back”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb grow back is to grow again after being cut or removed. For example, it can refer to hair, nails, or plants growing again after being trimmed or cut.
What are the different verb forms of “grow back”?
| Root Verb | grow back |
| Third Person Singular Present | grows back |
| Present Participle | growing back |
| Simple Past | grew back |
| Past Participle | grown back |
Example
After I cut my hair, it will grow back in a few months.
Example
The grass grows back quickly after being mowed.
Example
Her hair is growing back after she shaved it for charity.
Example
The tree branches grew back after being pruned last year.
Example
His beard had grown back by the time I saw him again.
What kind of phrasal verb is “grow back”?
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 back” 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
The plant grew back after being trimmed.
Example
Her hair grew back quickly after the haircut.
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 back” 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
The plant grew back after being trimmed.
Example
Her hair grew back quickly after the haircut.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “grow back”?
Good things to know
Does “grow back” have an informal or formal tone?
Grow back 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 settings, such as scientific discussions or medical contexts.
