What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
gritted
Example
He gritted his teeth in frustration. [gritted: past tense]
Example
She was gritting her teeth as she tried to endure the pain. [gritting: present participle]
clenched
Example
He clenched his fists in anger. [clenched: past tense]
Example
She was clenching her jaw as she tried to control her nerves. [clenching: present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Clenched is more commonly used than gritted in everyday language. Clenched is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while gritted is less common and refers to a specific action involving the teeth.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between gritted and clenched?
Both gritted and clenched are informal words that are commonly used in casual conversation. However, clenched can also be used in formal contexts to describe tense or stressful situations.
