What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
outgrow
Example
My son outgrew his clothes so quickly this year. [outgrew: past tense]
Example
The company has outgrown its current office space and needs to move to a larger location. [outgrown: past participle]
outpace
Example
The new technology is outpacing its competitors in terms of sales. [outpacing: present participle]
Example
The athlete outpaced his rivals in the final lap of the race. [outpaced: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Outgrow is more commonly used than outpace in everyday language. Outgrow is a common term used to describe physical growth or development, while outpace is less common and often used in specific contexts such as business or sports.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between outgrow and outpace?
Outpace is more formal than outgrow and is often used in professional or academic settings. Outgrow is more casual and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
