What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
grittier
Example
The city's downtown area is much grittier than the suburbs. [grittier: comparative adjective]
Example
She showed grittier determination than anyone else on the team. [grittier: comparative adverb]
Example
The movie depicted the gritty reality of life in the inner city. [gritty: adjective]
rougher
Example
The boat ride was rougher than expected due to the choppy waves. [rougher: comparative adjective]
Example
He spoke in a rougher tone than usual, making everyone uncomfortable. [rougher: comparative adverb]
Example
Growing up in a rougher neighborhood taught her to be tough and street-smart. [rougher: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Rougher is more commonly used than grittier in everyday language. Rougher is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while grittier is less common and often used in specific contexts such as sports or storytelling.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between grittier and rougher?
Both grittier and rougher are informal words that are suitable for casual conversations or writing. However, grittier may be perceived as slightly more formal due to its association with literature and storytelling.
