English Reference
verb

grew

v.
US /ˈɡɹu/ UK /ɡɹˈuː/ grew

  1. 01 A1 Beginner

    the past tense of 'grow' — you use this to say that a person, plant, or thing became larger in the past.

    the simple past tense of 'grow', denoting past physical maturation or increase in size.

    Simple

    The sunflowers grew so tall that they reached the top of the fence.

    In context

    The oak tree grew significantly during the wet summer, eventually providing enough shade to cover the entire patio area.

    Usage

    This is the irregular past tense form of 'grow'.

    Pitfall
    The plants have grew very fast. The plants have grown very fast.

    'Grew' is the simple past. For the present perfect (with 'have' or 'has'), you must use the past participle 'grown'.

  2. 02 B1 Intermediate

    to say that a business, a feeling, or an amount became stronger or larger.

    the simple past tense of 'grow', used to describe the past expansion of abstract concepts like economies, emotions, or businesses.

    Simple

    His interest in photography grew after he bought his first camera.

    In context

    The small startup grew into a multinational corporation within a decade, largely due to its innovative approach to software distribution.

This entry
Level A1 · Beginner
Frequency Common
Updated