Meaning trap
grow out of
stop a childish habit
To stop doing something as you get older, especially a habit or interest that is seen as childish.
Don't mix these meanings
Same phrase, different job.
To stop doing something as you get older, especially a habit or interest that is seen as childish.
Another meaning of 'grow out of' is 'become too big for'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
- Most children eventually grow out of being afraid of the dark.daily life
- I used to be very shy in social situations, but I grew out of it as I became more confident during university.IELTS speaking
Fix the pattern
Pattern: grow out of + noun/gerund
WrongKids usually grow out from tantrums.
RightKids usually grow out of tantrums.
'Grow out OF + habit'.
Patterngrow out of + noun/gerund
Use it right
Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.
'Grow out of' naturally means outgrow a phase or habit. The formal version is heavy.
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
grow out of + habittantrumsthat phasenail-bitingfussy eating
Don't confuse it
Not about size or clothes—this sense is about habits, interests, or behaviors.
Related
- grow out of (become too big for) — Another meaning of 'grow out of' is 'become too big for'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.