What are the definitions of “grind away”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Keep working at something.
Although I hated it, I GROUND AWAY until I had finished.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “grind away”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb grind away is to keep working at something, especially when it is difficult or tedious. It means to continue working hard and persistently on a task or project.
What are the different verb forms of “grind away”?
| Root Verb | grind away |
| Third Person Singular Present | grinds away |
| Present Participle | grinding away |
| Simple Past | ground away |
| Past Participle | ground away |
Example
She grinds away at her studies every night.
Example
He grinds away at his job, even though it's not his passion.
Example
They are grinding away on their project, hoping to finish it soon.
Example
I ground away at my homework until it was finally done.
Example
She had ground away at her task until it was completed.
What kind of phrasal verb is “grind away”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Intransitive verb
“grind away” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.
Example
He grinds away at his job every day.
Example
She ground away at her studies until she passed the exam.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“grind away” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
He grinds away at his job every day.
Example
She ground away at her studies until she passed the exam.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “grind away”?
Good things to know
Does “grind away” have an informal or formal tone?
Grind away is a neutral to informal phrasal verb. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can be used in more formal settings depending on the context. However, in most cases, grind away is considered an informal phrasal verb used in everyday speech.
