grind away
Học thuậtThân thiện
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
- study intensively, as before an exam
- I had to bone up on my Latin verbs before the final exam