Episode #3 of the course “Common English phrasal verbs: Part 1” by Angela Boothroyd
grow up
1. To grow up is to become older or to become an adult.
Examples of use:
a) When I grow up I want to be a doctor.
b) He grew up in Thailand.
c) She’s growing up
2. Grow up is something you say to someone who is behaving in a childish or immature way.
Examples of use:
a) You’re being stupid. Why don’t you just grow up?
b) Oh grow up! I’ve heard enough of your silly jokes.
3. grown-up (adjective) – When children look or behave in a mature way they are grown-up.
Example of use:
She looked very grown-up in her new dress.
4. grown-up (noun) – a grown-up is an adult. Informal English – usually used by children.
Example of use:
He wanted to sit with the grown-ups but he had to look after his brother and sister.
live up to
To live up to is to be as good as someone hopes or expects.
If someone or something lives up to people’s expectations, they are as good as they are expected to be.
Examples of use:
a) Our hotel was amazing and lived up to all our expectations.
b) Last night’s concert was good, but I don’t think he lived up to his reputation as a world-class entertainer.
c) Did the Harry Potter movie live up to your expectations?
Yes! It was fantastic!
d) I’m not living up to my parents’ dreams: they want me to be a doctor like my father, but I want to be an actor.
e) News headline: Barack Obama’s speech failed to live up to his own high standards.
f) Will the new McLaren Formula 1 car live up to expectations?
g) Will the iPad live up to the hype?
h) You’re not living up to your potential – you should get a job, earn some money and do something with your life.
Recommended book
“Amazingly Easy Phrasal Verbs!” by George Sandford
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