Phrasal verbs "grind out" vs "grind up"

Differences between grind out and grind up

Grind out means to produce something with difficulty or effort, while grind up means to break something into small pieces using a grinder or similar tool.

Meanings and Definitions: grind out vs grind up

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Grind out

• 1. Produce something with great difficulty.

  I find it very hard to GRIND OUT an original essay every week.

Grind up

• 1. Reduce to small pieces.

  She GROUND the beans UP and made some coffee.

Usage Examples: grind out, grind up in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

grind out

Example

She managed to grind out a passing grade on the difficult exam.

Example

He grinds out a new blog post every week, even when he's busy.

grind up

Example

They always grind up fresh herbs for cooking.

Example

He grinds up the spices for his signature dish.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Grind out

churn out

To produce something in large quantities, often with little regard for quality.

Example

The factory churns out hundreds of products every day, but the quality is not always consistent.

hammer away at

To work hard and persistently at a task or problem.

Example

He hammered away at the project until it was completed, even though it took longer than expected.

slog through

To work through something difficult or tedious with effort and determination.

Example

She slogged through the dense textbook to prepare for the exam, even though it was challenging.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Grind up

pulverize

To crush or grind something into a fine powder or dust.

Example

The blender pulverized the ice into a smooth consistency for the frozen drink.

crush into bits

To break something into very small pieces or fragments.

Example

He crushed the cookies into bits to use as a topping for the ice cream sundae.

mash up

To crush or smash something into a soft or pulpy mass.

Example

She mashed up the avocado to make guacamole for the party.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “grind”

• grind into
• grind down
• grind on
• grind away
• grind up

Phrasal Verbs with “out”

• mark out
• catch out
• cry out
• level out
• zonk out

Phrasal Verbs with “up”

• front up
• fluff up
• step up
• pick yourself up
• dry up

Differences in grind out vs grind up: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: grind out or grind up?

Both grind out and grind up are less common phrasal verbs. Grind up is slightly more common than grind out in everyday conversation.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of grind out and grind up

Both grind out and grind up are informal phrases that are suitable for casual conversations. However, grind out can be used in more formal settings like business or academic contexts to describe producing something with effort.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of grind out and grind up

The tone of grind out and grind up can differ based on context. Grind out often carries a tone of determination or perseverance when related to producing something, while grind up typically has a practical and sometimes violent tone, especially when referring to breaking something into small pieces.

grind out & grind up: Synonyms and Antonyms

Grind out

Synonyms

• produce
• create
• generate
• complete
• accomplish
• achieve
• finish
• work through

Antonyms

• quit
• abandon
• surrender
• cease
• stop
• halt
• discontinue
• give up

Grind up

Synonyms

• crush
• pulverize
• mash
• mince
• grate

Antonyms

• keep whole
• leave intact
• maintain the original form