What Does โOutgrow sthโ Mean?
โOutgrow sthโ means to become too large or mature for something, such as clothes, habits, or situations.
Introduction
The phrasal verb โoutgrow sthโ 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)
โOutgrow sthโ is a transitive phrasal verb, which means it needs an object (something) after it. It is inseparable, so you cannot put the object between โoutgrowโ and โsth.โ
Correct pattern: Subject + outgrow + object
Example: She outgrew her old shoes.
How to Use โOutgrow sthโ?
Use โoutgrow sthโ 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 โoutgrow sth in a sentenceโ 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
โOutgrow sthโ is similar to โgrow out of sth,โ but โgrow out ofโ is more common in informal English. Both mean becoming too big or mature for something, but โoutgrowโ can also imply emotional or behavioral growth, while โgrow out ofโ is mostly about physical growth or habits.
Other synonyms include โleave behindโ or โmove on from,โ but these are broader and less specific about size or maturity.
Common Collocations
Here are some common objects used with โoutgrowโ:
- Outgrow clothes โ become too large for clothing
- Outgrow shoes โ shoes no longer fit because of size
- Outgrow habits โ stop having certain behaviors
- Outgrow fears โ no longer afraid of something
- Outgrow a phase โ stop being interested in a temporary stage
Real-life Dialogue
Here is a short conversation using โoutgrow sthโ:
Anna: I think I need to buy new jeans.
Ben: Why? Do your old ones have holes?
Anna: No, I just outgrew them. Theyโre too tight now.
Ben: That happens fast! Growing up is not always easy.
Practice
Try to complete the sentences with the correct form of โoutgrowโ:
- 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 โoutgrowโ be used for emotions?
A: Yes, it can describe becoming mature enough to leave behind certain feelings or fears. - Q: Is โoutgrow sthโ separable?
A: No, the object must come after the verb without separation. - Q: What is the difference between โoutgrowโ and โgrow out ofโ?
A: They are very similar, but โgrow out ofโ is more informal and often used for physical growth or habits. - Q: Can โoutgrowโ be used for places or situations?
A: Yes, for example, a company can outgrow an office space. - Q: What level is โoutgrow sthโ suitable for?
A: It is generally suitable for intermediate learners (B1).
