Phrasal verbs "grind down" vs "grind up"

Differences between grind down and grind up

Grind down means to wear something down or make it smaller by rubbing it against a hard surface, while grind up means to crush something into small pieces using a machine or tool.

Meanings and Definitions: grind down vs grind up

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Grind down

• 1. Reduce or destroy someone's enthusiasm.

  Their negativity GRINDS me DOWN.

Grind up

• 1. Reduce to small pieces.

  She GROUND the beans UP and made some coffee.

Usage Examples: grind down, grind up in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

grind down

Example

The constant criticism grinds her down.

Example

His boss's harsh words grind him down every day.

grind up

Example

They always grind up fresh herbs for cooking.

Example

He grinds up the spices for his signature dish.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Grind down

wear away

To erode or diminish something over time due to friction or use.

Example

The constant use of the old chair wore away its cushion and made it uncomfortable to sit on.

whittle down

To gradually reduce or decrease something in size or number.

Example

He managed to whittle down his expenses by cutting back on unnecessary purchases.

file down

To remove small amounts of material from a surface using a file.

Example

She had to file down the rough edges of the wooden box to make it smooth and safe to handle.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Grind up

crush into powder

To break something into very small pieces until it becomes a fine powder.

Example

She used a mortar and pestle to crush the spices into powder for the curry recipe.

pulverize

To crush or grind something into a fine powder or dust.

Example

The industrial blender was able to pulverize the tough vegetables into a smooth paste.

mash up

To crush or mix something into a soft and pulpy mass.

Example

She mashed up the avocado with a fork to make guacamole for the party.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “grind”

• grind into
• grind away
• grind out
• grind up
• grind on

Phrasal Verbs with “down”

• wear down
• die down
• quieten down
• load down
• cool down

Phrasal Verbs with “up”

• goof up
• bash up
• bundle up
• ease up
• spruce up

Differences in grind down vs grind up: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: grind down or grind up?

Both grind down and grind up are used in daily conversation, but grind up is more common. It's often used when talking about food preparation or drug use, while grind down is used less frequently and mainly in contexts related to wear and tear.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of grind down and grind up

Both grind down and grind up are informal phrases that are suitable for casual conversations. However, grind up can have a negative connotation when referring to drug use, so it's best to avoid using it in formal settings.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of grind down and grind up

The tone of grind down and grind up can differ based on context. Grind down often carries a negative or frustrating tone when related to wear and tear, while grind up can have a neutral or positive tone when referring to food preparation.

grind down & grind up: Synonyms and Antonyms

Grind down

Synonyms

• discourage
• dishearten
• dampen
• crush
• deflate
• demoralize
• dispirit

Antonyms

• encourage
• inspire
• motivate
• uplift
• hearten
• boost
• energize

Grind up

Synonyms

• crush
• pulverize
• mash
• mince
• grate

Antonyms

• keep whole
• leave intact
• maintain the original form