25 September 2008 - Written by Lyle

Sometimes there can be some confusion as to which verb or phrasal verb is best to use when describing your birth and growth. Here are a few useful expressions.

Bring up – A transitive phrasal verb which means to raise. Usually used for humans.

Eg: She brought up 3 children by herself.

Grow up – An intransitive phrasal verb which means to grow/become an

adult.

Eg: When I grow up I want to be an astronaut.

Grow can also be used as a transitive verb, often used when the object is a plant.

Eg: He grows strawberries in his garden.

Breed and Rear can be used like Raise but are more common to use when the object is an animal. Here are a few exercises. Try to choose the best verb or phrasal verb to complete the sentences.

1. I was born and ___________ in Dublin.
2. She ___________ Irish Wolfhounds for a living.
3. I _____________ in a small town.
4. __________ children can be a difficult job.
5. My father __________ me to be polite to elders.
6. Have you heard about the girl in India who was _____________ by wolves?
7. If I had a bigger yard I’d _________ vegetables.
8. Shut the door! Were you ___________ in a tent?