What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
grinding
Example
The coffee beans need to be ground before we can make coffee. [ground: past participle]
Example
He spent hours grinding the metal until it was smooth and shiny. [grinding: gerund]
polishing
Example
She spent all afternoon polishing her silver jewelry. [polishing: gerund]
Example
The car manufacturer polishes each vehicle before it leaves the factory. [polishes: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Grinding is more commonly used than polishing in industrial and construction settings, while polishing is more commonly used in the manufacturing of consumer goods like jewelry, cars, and electronics.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between grinding and polishing?
Both grinding and polishing are neutral in terms of formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
