Common Mistakes with the Verb ‘grow’

The verb grow is often misused by English learners because it has several meanings and irregular forms. The most frequent mistakes involve confusing its past tense (grew) with its past participle (grown), using it incorrectly in passive constructions, and applying it to situations where a different verb would be more natural. This guide explains the correct forms, common errors, and how to use grow naturally in conversation, email, and writing.

Quick Answer

Grow is an irregular verb. Its three main forms are: grow (present), grew (past), grown (past participle). Use grew for simple past actions (e.g., “The plant grew fast”). Use grown with auxiliary verbs like have or be (e.g., “It has grown a lot” or “It was grown in a greenhouse”). Do not say “I have grew” or “It was grew.”

Understanding the Verb Forms of ‘Grow’

Before we look at mistakes, it helps to review the core forms. This verb is irregular, so you cannot simply add -ed.

Common Mistake 1: Confusing ‘Grew’ and ‘Grown’

This is the most frequent error. Learners often say “I have grew” or “It has grew” because they hear grew as the past form and assume it works with have. This is incorrect.

Incorrect

• She has grew very tall. (wrong)
• We have grew our own vegetables. (wrong)
• The company has grew by 20%. (wrong)

Correct

• She has grown very tall.
• We have grown our own vegetables.
• The company has grown by 20%.

Tip: If you see have, has, or had, always use grown. If you are telling a simple past story without an auxiliary verb, use grew.

Common Mistake 2: Using ‘Grow’ in the Passive Voice Incorrectly

When you want to say something was cultivated or raised by someone, use the past participle grown with was or were. Do not use grew in passive sentences.

Incorrect

• These flowers were grew in a nursery. (wrong)
• The rice is grew in flooded fields. (wrong)

Correct

• These flowers were grown in a nursery.
• The rice is grown in flooded fields.

Context note: In formal writing, such as reports or academic papers, the passive voice with grown is common. In everyday conversation, people often use the active voice: “They grow rice in flooded fields.”

Common Mistake 3: Using ‘Grow’ for Non-Physical Growth When Another Verb Is Better

Grow works well for physical size, plants, and businesses. But for emotions, relationships, or skills, English speakers often prefer verbs like develop, improve, or strengthen. Using grow here is not always wrong, but it can sound unnatural or vague.

Less Natural

• We need to grow our communication skills. (possible but vague)
• Her confidence grew after the training. (acceptable but a bit broad)

More Natural Alternatives

• We need to develop our communication skills.
• Her confidence improved after the training.

When to use it: Use grow for abstract growth when you want to emphasize a natural, gradual process. For example, “Their friendship grew over time” sounds fine. But for deliberate effort, develop or build is often better.

Common Mistake 4: Using ‘Grow’ as a Transitive Verb Without an Object

Grow can be transitive (needs an object) or intransitive (no object). Learners sometimes forget the object when they mean “cultivate.”

Incorrect

• My grandmother grew in her garden. (This means she physically increased in size inside the garden.)

Correct

• My grandmother grew tomatoes in her garden.
• My grandmother grew flowers in her garden.

Nuance: If you say “She grew in her garden” without an object, it sounds like she personally became larger. Always include what was grown.

Comparison Table: ‘Grow’ vs. Common Alternatives

Natural Examples of ‘Grow’ in Context

Here are examples that show how grow is used in everyday English, including email and conversation.

In Conversation

• “Wow, your son has grown so much since last year!”
• “I grew up in a small town near the coast.”
• “We should grow our own lettuce this spring.”

In Email or Formal Writing

• “Our team has grown to include five new members.”
• “The company grew its market share by 15% last quarter.”
• “All produce is grown without pesticides.”

In Describing Change Over Time

• “Her interest in art grew as she visited more museums.”
• “The city has grown rapidly over the past decade.”

Better Alternatives for ‘Grow’ in Specific Contexts

Sometimes you need a more specific verb. Here are common replacements.

Mini Practice: Test Your Knowledge

Choose the correct form of grow or a better verb. Answers are below.

1. The plants have _____ (grew / grown) very tall this month.
2. Last year, we _____ (grew / grown) our own pumpkins.
3. She needs to _____ (grow / develop) her public speaking skills.
4. These flowers were _____ (grew / grown) in a greenhouse.

Answers

1. grown (because of “have”)
2. grew (simple past, no auxiliary verb)
3. develop (more natural for skills)
4. grown (passive voice with “were”)

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is it “I have grown” or “I have grew”?

Always use I have grown. Grew is only for simple past without an auxiliary verb. “I have grew” is a common grammar mistake.

2. Can I say “I grew up” for my childhood?

Yes. “I grew up in Chicago” is correct. The past tense of grow up is grew up. The past participle is grown up, as in “I have grown up a lot since then.”

3. What is the difference between “grow” and “raise”?

Grow is used for plants and crops. Raise is used for animals and children. For example: “We grow vegetables” but “We raise chickens.” You can also say “raise crops” in some contexts, but grow is more common for plants.

4. Is “grow” used in business English?

Yes, frequently. You can say “grow revenue,” “grow the team,” or “grow market share.” However, in formal reports, verbs like increase or expand may sound more professional. In conversation, grow is perfectly natural.

Final Tips for Using ‘Grow’ Correctly

• Memorize the three forms: grow – grew – grown.
• After have, has, or had, always use grown.
• In passive sentences (with was or were), use grown.
• For skills and relationships, consider develop, improve, or strengthen.
• When using grow as a transitive verb, always include the object (what you grew).

For more help with verb forms, visit our Verb Forms Explained section. To review other common errors, see our Common Verb Mistakes category. If you have questions, feel free to contact us.