Meaning trap
grow up
stop behaving childishly
To start acting in a more mature and responsible way, not like a child.
Don't mix these meanings
Same phrase, different job.
To start acting in a more mature and responsible way, not like a child.
Another meaning of 'grow up' is 'become an adult'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
It's time for you to grow up and take responsibility for your actions.
Some people think young adults today should grow up faster and become independent earlier.
Fix the pattern
One small grammar move makes it sound right.
Not: You need to grow up yourself.
Say: You need to grow up.
'Grow up' (act mature) is intransitive — no reflexive object.
Which sounds natural?
Tap the one a native speaker would say.
As a rebuke, 'grow up!' is what natives actually snap. The formal version is preachy.
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
grow up
- just
- oh
- a bit
- for once
Don't confuse it
Related
Other meanings and phrases to compare.
- grow up (become an adult) — Another meaning of 'grow up' is 'become an adult'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.