What are the definitions of “grind down”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Reduce or destroy someone's enthusiasm.
Their negativity GRINDS me DOWN.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “grind down”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb grind down is to reduce or destroy someone's enthusiasm or spirit. It often refers to a situation or person that causes someone to feel discouraged or disheartened.
What are the different verb forms of “grind down”?
| Root Verb | grind down |
| Third Person Singular Present | grinds down |
| Present Participle | grinding down |
| Simple Past | ground down |
| Past Participle | ground down |
Example
The constant criticism grinds her down.
Example
His boss's harsh words grind him down every day.
Example
The long hours at work are grinding her down.
Example
The stress of the project ground him down over time.
Example
She felt ground down by the constant pressure to succeed.
What kind of phrasal verb is “grind down”?
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.)
Transitive verb
“grind down” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
The constant negativity grinds her down.
Example
His boss's harsh words grind him down every day.
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 down” 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
The constant negativity grinds her down.
Example
His boss's harsh words grind him down every day.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “grind down”?
Good things to know
Does “grind down” have an informal or formal tone?
Grind down is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal settings, depending on the specific context.
