What are the definitions of “grow out of”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Grow too large for clothes.
He GREW OUT OF those shoes in no time at all.
- 2Lose interest as you grow older or become more mature.
He was obsessed with computer games but the he GREW OUT OF them.
- 3Result or develop from.
The idea for the film GREW OUT OF an accident that happened to the director.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “grow out of”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb grow out of is to become too big for something, usually clothes or shoes, as a result of physical growth. For example, children often grow out of their clothes as they get taller and bigger.
What are the different verb forms of “grow out of”?
| Root Verb | grow out of |
| Third Person Singular Present | grows out of |
| Present Participle | growing out of |
| Simple Past | grew out of |
| Past Participle | grown out of |
Example
She will grow out of her baby clothes soon.
Example
He grows out of his shoes quickly because his feet are growing fast.
Example
The child is growing out of his clothes faster than we can buy new ones.
Example
She grew out of her favorite dress last year.
Example
He has grown out of all his old clothes.
What kind of phrasal verb is “grow out of”?
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 out of” 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
She grew out of her baby clothes.
Example
He grew out of his interest in video games.
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 out of” 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
She grew out of her baby clothes.
Example
He grew out of his interest in video games.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “grow out of”?
Good things to know
Does “grow out of” have an informal or formal tone?
Grow out of is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can also be used in more formal settings, depending on the specific context.
