What does "to growing up" mean here? Could you tell me how different "to growing up" and "grow up"?

Native speaker’s answer

Rebecca

So here, the preposition "to" indicates where they went or "traveled to"- she's talking about a destination. "Growing up" refers to one's childhood years. It's a place she would "travel to growing up", which means she went to this place during her childhood years. "Grow + ing" is a gerund indicating a continuous action as you continuously grow during those years. "Grow up" means in the future when you are an adult. It's usually in reference to children or when you tell an adult not to act like a child in a rude way. Ex: This is a campsite that we travel to on the weekends! => "travel to" Ex: Growing up, I used to love riding my bike outside. Ex: Don't rush growing up, Jane. Enjoy being a child! Ex: When I grow up, I want to be a scientist. Ex: What do you want to be when you grow up? Ex: Grow up, Peter. Your jokes aren't funny.

How do native speakers use this expression?

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Popular Q&As

05/19

1
What does "squeal" mean? Is it similar to "shout" or "scream"?
A "squeal" is a very high-pitched noise. It is similar to a scream, but it's typically paired with excitement about something. It is also used to describe the sound pigs make when they are scared. It also can be used to describe the sounds of equipment. Ex: The pigs squealed as they were loaded onto the trailer. Ex: She squealed with excitement at her birthday present. Ex: My breaks squealed loudly when I stopped at the stop sign. Ex: I squealed when I found out my sister was pregnant.

2
What does "get on with" mean?
'Get on with something' means to start or keep doing something. In this case, when Baloo says 'get on with it', he's meaning that they should hurry up and retaliate the snake who almost killed Mowgli. 'Get on with something' is normally used with things associated with work. Ex: Stop looking at your phone and get on with it. Ex: Stop talking and get on with it.

3
Is "increment" a noun form of "increase?"
They are not different forms of the same root word, but they are somewhat similar in meaning. An "increment" refers to a regular increase of something. Meanwhile, an increase always refers to something growing or getting bigger. Ex: My weight increased during the holidays. Ex: You will be paid in increments.

4
Does the word "altitude" refer to the character's height? Is it a common expression?
"Altitude" actually refers to height or elevation, i.e. the height of something in relation to the ground or sea level. In this case, the speaker is making a joke that the length of the high heels her friend is wearing may be affecting her judgement, due to the decreased oxygen level one finds at high altitudes. Ex: The plane is flying at an altitude of 35, 000 feet above sea level. Ex: Oxygen levels decrease at high altitudes, so mountain climbers often carry oxygen tanks with them.

5
Is there a difference between "incident" and "occasion"?
An incident is an event or occurrence (often used to describe negative events), while occasion is a favorable opportunity or a convenient/timely chance. Ex: Do you remember that stalking incident that happened at school last year? They finally caught the guy. Ex: Look at this job fair! I think this is the perfect occasion for you to get your dream job.

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