What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
outgrowing
Example
The company is outgrowing its current office space and needs to move to a larger location. [outgrowing: present participle]
Example
Children often outgrow their clothes quickly as they grow taller and gain weight. [outgrow: verb]
outgrown
Example
The child had already outgrown his shoes and needed a new pair. [outgrown: past participle]
Example
The company had outgrown its original business model and needed to pivot to a new strategy. [outgrown: past participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Outgrown is more commonly used than outgrowing in everyday language. Outgrown is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while outgrowing is less common and more specific to situations involving growth or development.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between outgrowing and outgrown?
Both outgrowing and outgrown are relatively informal words that can be used in casual conversation or writing. However, outgrown may be slightly more formal due to its use as an adjective or past participle in verb tenses.