What are the definitions of “grind out”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Produce something with great difficulty.
I find it very hard to GRIND OUT an original essay every week.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “grind out”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb grind out is to produce something with great difficulty or effort. It often refers to completing a task that requires a lot of hard work and persistence.
What are the different verb forms of “grind out”?
| Root Verb | grind out |
| Third Person Singular Present | grinds out |
| Present Participle | grinding out |
| Simple Past | ground out |
| Past Participle | ground out |
Example
She managed to grind out a passing grade on the difficult exam.
Example
He grinds out a new blog post every week, even when he's busy.
Example
They are grinding out the last few chapters of their book.
Example
Yesterday, she ground out a 10-page report in just a few hours.
Example
The team ground out a victory in the final minutes of the game.
What kind of phrasal verb is “grind out”?
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 out” 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
He ground out a difficult essay.
Example
She grinds out a new song every month.
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 out” 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 ground out a difficult essay.
Example
She grinds out a new song every month.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “grind out”?
To deliver a performance or complete a task with great effort and determination, often in a difficult situation.
Example
The musician ground out a powerful performance despite being sick.
Good things to know
Does “grind out” have an informal or formal tone?
Grind out is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can also be used in more formal settings, such as in academic or professional writing, depending on the specific context.