ENGLISH
REFERENCE

grow out

phr. v..
B1 Intermediate Oxford

phr. v.. to let your hair or nails get longer by not cutting them.

phr. v.. to allow hair, nails, or a physical feature to reach a desired length by abstaining from trimming or cutting; often used when transitioning between styles.


SIMPLE

I am trying to grow out my hair for the wedding.

CONTEXTUAL

After years of having a short buzz cut, he decided to grow out his hair to see how it looked wavy.

COMPLEX

The stylist suggested that she grow out her layers for several months before attempting the blunt bob she originally requested.

Particles
out
Separability
optional
Pattern
grow + (object) + out
Usage

usually takes hair, nails, or a specific hairstyle as the object.

Teaching tip

contrast with 'grow out of' (to become too big for clothes), which is a three-part phrasal verb with a completely different meaning.

Pitfall

I want to grow my hair out of.I want to grow my hair out.adding 'of' changes the meaning to 'becoming too large for something' or 'developing from something'.

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