What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
grind
Example
I need to grind some coffee beans for my morning cup. [grind: verb]
Example
The spices need to be ground into a fine powder. [ground: past participle]
Example
I have to grind through this pile of paperwork before I can go home. [grind: phrasal verb]
pulverize
Example
The rocks were pulverized into a fine dust. [pulverized: past participle]
Example
The machine can pulverize large chunks of ice into snow. [pulverize: verb]
Example
The building was pulverized by the earthquake. [pulverized: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Grind is more commonly used than pulverize in everyday language. Grind has a wider range of applications and can be used in various contexts, while pulverize is more specific and often used in technical or scientific contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between grind and pulverize?
Pulverize is generally more formal than grind, as it is often used in technical or scientific contexts. Grind can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
