What are the definitions of “grow up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Mature, become adult.
He GREW UP in the West Country.
- 2Arise, emerge.
The industry GREW UP very quickly.
- 3Develop in a place or for a reason ( city, town, etc ).
The town GREW UP as a trading post.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “grow up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb grow up is to mature or become an adult. It is often used to describe the process of a person's development from childhood to adulthood. For example, it can mean becoming more responsible, learning from experiences, or developing physically and emotionally.
What are the different verb forms of “grow up”?
| Root Verb | grow up |
| Third Person Singular Present | grows up |
| Present Participle | growing up |
| Simple Past | grew up |
| Past Participle | grown up |
Example
Children grow up so fast these days.
Example
She grows up in a loving family.
Example
He is growing up to be a responsible young man.
Example
They grew up in a small village.
Example
She has grown up to be a successful businesswoman.
What kind of phrasal verb is “grow up”?
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 up” 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
I grew up in a small town.
Example
The industry grew up quickly.
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 up” 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
I grew up in a small town.
Example
The industry grew up quickly.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “grow up”?
Good things to know
Does “grow up” have an informal or formal tone?
Grow up is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations, as well as in more formal settings, such as academic discussions or professional environments.
