What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
grindstone
Example
The blacksmith used a grindstone to sharpen his chisel. [grindstone: noun]
Example
She put her nose to the grindstone and worked hard to finish the project. [grindstone: idiom]
Example
He's a real nose-to-the-grindstone kind of worker. [grindstone: idiom]
whetstone
Example
He sharpened his hunting knife on a whetstone before heading into the woods. [whetstone: noun]
Example
The challenge of the puzzle really whetted her appetite for problem-solving. [whet: verb]
Example
She's a whetstone of a lawyer, always ready with a sharp argument. [whetstone: metaphor]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Whetstone is more commonly used than grindstone in everyday language. Whetstone is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while grindstone is less common and often used in specific contexts related to metalworking or difficult tasks.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between grindstone and whetstone?
Both grindstone and whetstone are relatively formal words, but whetstone may be slightly more versatile and adaptable to different levels of formality.
