Definition

Verb: - To study intensively and diligently, often for a specific purpose such as an exam or test. It implies a sustained, concentrated, and sometimes laborious effort.

Usage

This phrasal verb is used to describe the act of studying very hard over a period of time. It is often used in informal or academic contexts. - It is typically followed by the preposition "at" when specifying the subject being studied (e.g., grind away at mathematics). - It can also be used without a direct object or with a direct object (e.g., grind away the material).

Examples

Advanced Usage

• "to grind away at something": This construction emphasizes the persistent and often tedious effort applied to a specific task or subject.
  • He spent the summer grinding away at learning the new software.

Variants and Related Words

• Grind (verb): Can have a similar meaning in context (e.g., ), but also has other meanings like to crush into small particles.
• Cram (verb): To study intensively over a very short period, often right before a test. While similar, "cram" implies more last-minute effort, whereas "grind away" can imply a longer, more sustained effort.
• Bone up (phrasal verb): To study or review a subject quickly and intensively. (As seen in the reference context: )

Synonyms

• Study hard
• Swot (British English)
• Hit the books
• Burn the midnight oil

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Plug away (at something): To work steadily and persistently at a task.
  • She just kept plugging away at the project until it was done.

Related Idioms

• Hit the books: To begin studying seriously.
  • It's time to hit the books; finals are next week.
• Burn the midnight oil: To work or study late into the night.
  • She was burning the midnight oil to finish her research paper.

Verb

1. study intensively, as before an exam
   • I had to bone up on my Latin verbs before the final exam