What Does “Outgrow sth” Mean?
“Outgrow sth” means to become too large or mature for something, such as clothes, habits, or situations.
Introduction
The phrasal verb “outgrow sth” is commonly used when someone or something becomes too big or mature for a particular item or behavior. For example, a child can outgrow clothes or toys as they grow older, or a person can outgrow certain habits or relationships. Understanding the outgrow sth meaning helps learners express changes in size, maturity, or suitability clearly. This phrasal verb is useful in everyday conversations, especially when talking about personal growth or physical changes.
Quick Info Box
- Phrasal verb: outgrow sth (outgrow something)
- Type: Transitive
- Level: B1
- Short meaning: To become too large or mature for something
Structure (Grammar Rules)
“Outgrow sth” is a transitive phrasal verb, which means it needs an object (something) after it. It is inseparable, so you cannot put the object between “outgrow” and “sth.”
Correct pattern: Subject + outgrow + object
Example: She outgrew her old shoes.
How to Use “Outgrow sth”?
Use “outgrow sth” when talking about physical growth or development that makes something no longer suitable. It can also describe emotional or behavioral changes that make certain habits or relationships no longer appropriate. The object usually refers to clothes, toys, habits, or situations.
Examples
Children often outgrow their clothes quickly because they grow fast.
- He outgrew his backpack after just one year at school.
- She outgrew her fear of public speaking.
- Many people outgrow their childhood hobbies as they get older.
- Our company has outgrown the small office space.
Using “outgrow sth in a sentence” helps you understand how to apply it in real life.
Common Mistakes
Sometimes, learners put the object in the wrong place or use the wrong verb form.
- Incorrect: She outgrew quickly her shoes.
- Correct: She outgrew her shoes quickly.
- Incorrect: He outgrow the old habits.
- Correct: He outgrew the old habits.
Differences / Synonyms
“Outgrow sth” is similar to “grow out of sth,” but “grow out of” is more common in informal English. Both mean becoming too big or mature for something, but “outgrow” can also imply emotional or behavioral growth, while “grow out of” is mostly about physical growth or habits.
Other synonyms include “leave behind” or “move on from,” but these are broader and less specific about size or maturity.
Common Collocations
Here are some common objects used with “outgrow”:
- Outgrow clothes – become too large for clothing
- Outgrow shoes – shoes no longer fit because of size
- Outgrow habits – stop having certain behaviors
- Outgrow fears – no longer afraid of something
- Outgrow a phase – stop being interested in a temporary stage
Real-life Dialogue
Here is a short conversation using “outgrow sth”:
Anna: I think I need to buy new jeans.
Ben: Why? Do your old ones have holes?
Anna: No, I just outgrew them. They’re too tight now.
Ben: That happens fast! Growing up is not always easy.
Practice
Try to complete the sentences with the correct form of “outgrow”:
- He has __________ his old toys and wants new ones.
- Many kids __________ their school uniforms every year.
- She __________ her fear of swimming after taking lessons.
- Our team __________ the small meeting room quickly.
FAQs
- Q: Can “outgrow” be used for emotions?
A: Yes, it can describe becoming mature enough to leave behind certain feelings or fears. - Q: Is “outgrow sth” separable?
A: No, the object must come after the verb without separation. - Q: What is the difference between “outgrow” and “grow out of”?
A: They are very similar, but “grow out of” is more informal and often used for physical growth or habits. - Q: Can “outgrow” be used for places or situations?
A: Yes, for example, a company can outgrow an office space. - Q: What level is “outgrow sth” suitable for?
A: It is generally suitable for intermediate learners (B1).
