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.
I used to be very shy in social situations, but I grew out of it as I became more confident during university.
Fix the pattern
One small grammar move makes it sound right.
Not: Kids usually grow out from tantrums.
Say: Kids usually grow out of tantrums.
'Grow out OF + habit'.
Which sounds natural?
Tap the one a native speaker would say.
'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 + habit
- tantrums
- that phase
- nail-biting
- fussy eating
Don't confuse it
Related
Other meanings and phrases to compare.
- 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.