Learn about the difference between the homophones: grate and great

Definitions

grate

Grate is a verb that means to shred food into small pieces by rubbing it against a grater or a rough surface.

Example

She grated the cheese for the pizza.

Example

He grated some ginger to add to the soup.

great

Great is an adjective that means something of an extent, amount, or intensity considerably above average.

Example

The great pyramids of Egypt are a wonder of the world.

Example

She has a great sense of humor.

Tips To Remember the Differences

Here are a few tips to easily distinguish the difference between these words while keeping in mind the description we've provided:

- To remember the difference between grate and great, you can associate grate with food preparation. Think of the sound of the grater as you grate cheese. - Great can be associated with something that is impressive or exceptional, like the Great Wall of China or a great performance.