use grit

Meanings

1. 1phraseintransitive

   to face a hard situation with courage and determination, and keep going.

   Grammar: No object: you use grit to do something. It is often followed by an infinitive: use grit to finish.

   Patterns

   • use grit to do something
   • use grit and determination

   She used grit to finish the marathon despite the pain.

   You will need to use grit to get through the final year of your degree.

2. 2phrasetransitivetechnical

   to apply small rough particles to a surface for cleaning or smoothing.

   Grammar: Takes an object: use grit on the wood. This is a literal, technical use.

   Patterns

   • use grit on something
   • use grit to smooth something

   Use grit to smooth the rough edge of the metal.

   The workers used grit on the icy road to improve grip.

Common combinations

use grit and determination

He used grit and determination to rebuild his business.

use grit to overcome

They used grit to overcome every obstacle.

use grit on the road

The council used grit on the road before the snow came.

Synonyms and how they differ

persevere

This is a verb meaning to keep trying; use grit is a phrase that focuses on the inner quality you apply.

show courage

This is more general and can be about one brave act; use grit suggests steady determination over time.

Opposites

Word family

gritty adjective

showing courage and determination, or containing grit

grit noun

courage and determination, or small rough particles

Commonly confused: use grit or grits?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “use grit”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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