The Past Tense of Grind: Here’s What It Is and How to Use It

If you have ever been curious about the correct past tense of grind, this article will clear that up plus give you a look into the history of the word, the definition, and everything else you could want to learn about the word and how it’s used in the English language. 

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What Is the Definition of the Word Grind?

The verb grind is defined as:

  • an act of grinding
  • the sound of grinding
  • dreary, monotonous, or difficult labor, study, or routine 
    • the dull grind of office work
  • one who works or studies excessively 
    • a grind who never goes to parties
  • to grind something up
    • material ground to a particular degree of fineness into a fine powder
    • grind coffee beans or coffee grounds
  • an action of rotating the hips in an erotic manner (as in a dance or in a burlesque striptease act)
  • to wear down, polish, or sharpen by friction 
    • grind an ax

How Do You Conjugate Grind?

Here are the other conjugations and verb forms of the English verb grind:

Base Form (Infinitive):

Grind

Simple Present Tense, Third-Person Singular He/She/It:

Grinds

Simple Past Tense:

Ground 

Past Participle:

Ground

Present Participle/ Gerund:

Grinding 

The History and Origin of the Word

Verb- 

The Old English grindan, meaning to rub together, to crush into a powder, grate, scrape, comes from the Proto-Germanic word grindanan from the PIE root ghrendh, meaning to grind. Since the 13th century, the word has been used to define making something smooth or sharp by friction. 

Noun- 

In the 12th century, the word grind was used to define the gnashing of teeth. In the 1800s it got a few new meanings. It was used as a slang word by college students meaning, steady, hard, tedious work. This then evolved to mean someone who studied diligently which is a positive thing. In 1893, the term was used to define sexual intercourse. 

Synonyms of Grind

  • Buff- POLISH, SHINE
    • waxed and buffed the floor
  • Rub-  to move along the surface of a body with pressure: GRATE
  • Sand- to smooth or dress by grinding or rubbing with an abrasive (such as sandpaper)
  • FIle- to smooth or dress by grinding or rubbing with an abrasive (such as sandpaper)
  • Hone- to sharpen or smooth with a whetstone
  • Creak- a rasping or grating noise
  • Jar-  a sudden or unexpected shake 
  • Rasp- to rub with something rough
    • specifically: to abrade with a rasp
  • Scrape-  to make (a surface) smooth or clean with strokes of an edged instrument or an abrasive
  • Scratch- to rub and tear or mark the surface of with something sharp or jagged

Example Sentences With the Word Grind

Verb

  • The corn is ground into meal. 
  •  The steel grinds to a sharp edge.

Noun 

  • I need a break from the daily grind. 
  •  the dull grind of office work

Examples of the Word in Context

Summary

Next time you need to write the word bring, you will be well prepared for everything you need to know what it is and how to use it efficiently within English grammar. You should feel confident with the different conjugations, the history of the word, and the definition. 

Sources:

  1. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/grind
  2. https://www.usingenglish.com/reference/irregular-verbs/grind.html
  3. https://www.etymonline.com/word/grind
  4. https://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/bears/ct-cb-chicago-bears-quarterbacks-akiem-hicks-20200903-onegxs4zrzc5bh2w3b2s3k653y-story.html
  5. https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/2020/08/9981024/gym-covid-guidelines-safety-tips
  6. https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2020/08/24/what-have-we-done-to-the-whale
  7. https://www.nationalreview.com/2020/08/book-review-mr-blue-cult-classic-tale-modern-day-st-francis/
  8. https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/on-parenting/my-kids-seem-happier-since-the-pandemic-slowed-life-down-should-i-be-worried/2020/08/04/1b01c3a4-d271-11ea-8d32-1ebf4e9d8e0d_story.html
  9. https://www.sunset.com/food-wine/how-to-make-coffee-the-new-rules
  10. https://www.startribune.com/throwback-5-game-series-force-players-to-embrace-the-grind/571940742/
  11. https://www.jsonline.com/story/sports/golf/2020/08/18/kaylor-steger-leads-harrison-ott-wisconsin-state-open-blue-mound/3385632001/
  12. https://www.oregonlive.com/advice/2020/08/horoscope-for-august-26-2020-happy-birthday-melissa-mccarthy-virgo-do-your-homework.html
  13. https://theconversation.com/challenge-trials-for-a-coronavirus-vaccine-are-unethical-except-for-in-one-unlikely-scenario-141035