Grow up
2 meanings · select one to explore
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Meaning 1 of 3
Definition
To start behaving in a mature, responsible way
Example sentence
It's time you grew up and took responsibility for your actions.
Real video usage
Three clips showing this meaning in natural speech.
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Common collocations
Natural word pairings to memorize.
Common pattern: grow up + (and + verb)
need to grow up
time to grow up
grow up and face the truth
"Grow up!" (said to someone who is acting like a child)
Separable usage
Can the object split the verb? Compare correct vs incorrect.
When will they finally grow up? ✅ (Correct)
When will they grow finally up? ❌ (Incorrect — "grow up" stays together)
Meaning 1 of 3
Definition
To spend your childhood and become an adult
Example sentence
I grew up in a small town in Ohio.
Real video usage
Three clips showing this meaning in natural speech.
Don’t see captions? Click the CC button on the video to turn them on.
Don’t see captions? Click the CC button on the video to turn them on.
Don’t see captions? Click the CC button on the video to turn them on.
Common collocations
Natural word pairings to memorize.
Common pattern: grow up + in / on / with
grow up in a small town
grow up in a big family
grow up with (someone)
grow up fast
Separable usage
Can the object split the verb? Compare correct vs incorrect.
My parents grew up in a different country. ✅ (Correct)
My parents grew in a different country up. ❌ (Incorrect — "grow up" stays together)