Quick Definition
Grow Up — To develop from a child into an adult; to behave maturely.
Meanings of Grow Up
| Meaning | Example Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Develop into adult | She grew up in a small village in Wales. | She spent her childhood there. |
| Behave maturely | Grow up — stop arguing over nothing. | Stop behaving childishly. |
Example Sentences
| Sentence | Meaning in Context |
|---|---|
| She grew up in a small village in Wales. | She spent her childhood there. |
| Grow up — stop arguing over nothing. | Stop behaving childishly. |
| "Don't worry -- I'll grow up it." | Using it in a short reassurance. |
| She decided to grow up the whole situation. | Applying the phrasal verb in context. |
Grammar Notes
Separability & Transitivity
Type: inseparable | Transitivity: intransitive
Intransitive and inseparable. Cannot take an object. Often used with 'in' + place or time: grew up in the 1990s.
How to Use Grow Up
Neutral. Very common across all contexts. The imperative 'Grow up!' is informal and direct.
| Register | Example / Notes |
|---|---|
| Informal / Spoken | She grew up in a small village in Wales. |
| Neutral / Written | Consider context; single-word synonyms may suit formal writing. |
Similar Phrasal Verbs
Practise Grow Up
Practice English Phrasal Verbs
Use these exercises to master phrasal verbs in context:
Frequently Asked Questions about Grow Up
What does "Grow Up" mean?
"Grow Up" means: To develop from a child into an adult; to behave maturely. It is a intransitive phrasal verb rated CEFR A2.
Is "Grow Up" separable or inseparable?
"Grow Up" is inseparable. Intransitive and inseparable. Cannot take an object. Often used with 'in' + place or time: grew up in the 1990s.
How do I use "Grow Up" in a sentence?
She grew up in a small village in Wales. -- in this example, 'Grow Up' means she spent her childhood there.
What is the register of "Grow Up"?
Neutral. Very common across all contexts. The imperative 'Grow up!' is informal and direct.
What CEFR level is "Grow Up"?
"Grow Up" is typically taught at CEFR A2 — Elementary level. It appears frequently in neutral contexts.
What is the difference between "Grow Up" and similar phrasal verbs?
"Grow Up" specifically means: To develop from a child into an adult; to behave maturely. Compare with similar verbs in the 'Similar Phrasal Verbs' section below for nuanced differences.
Can "Grow Up" be used formally?
Neutral. Very common across all contexts. The imperative 'Grow up!' is informal and direct. When writing formally, consider whether a single-word synonym might be more appropriate for the context.
Does "Grow Up" take an object?
"Grow Up" is intransitive. Intransitive and inseparable. Cannot take an object. Often used with 'in' + place or time: grew up in the 1990s.
How can I practise "Grow Up"?
Use LexFizz's Find the Match and Flip Tiles exercises to practise 'Grow Up' in context. Seeing it in multiple sentences helps the meaning stick.
Is "Grow Up" used in British or American English?
"Grow Up" is used in both British and American English, though register and frequency may vary. Neutral. Very common across all contexts. The imperative 'Grow up!' is informal and direct.