a daily grind

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a daily grind" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a monotonous or routine task that is often tedious or exhausting. Example: "After years of working the daily grind, she decided it was time to pursue her passion for art."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

"It's a daily grind," he said.

The New York Times

"It just becomes a daily grind.

The New York Times - Sports

Ballard joined because he didn't want to fall into a daily grind.

The New York Times - Sports

"It's a given, this time of year," the old-school Randolph said, knowing his sport is a daily grind.

The New York Times

It was like that for many of the workers, as the seemingly unreal became a daily grind.

The New York Times

Accountability in the public sector is a daily grind of elections and oversight, legislation and litigation and, we should allow, of another ghost: shame.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

(MORE: How to Fit Physical Activity Into a Busy Daily Grind) I now know that I spend about 57percentt of my day in the Firefox browser and 20percentt of my work time is writing.

Huffington Post

For me, I'm married to a founder, and she's been a big inspiration for me as an investor and taught me a lot about the daily grind of running a company.

TechCrunch

Besides, I needed a break from the daily grind in San José, a smog-ridden, traffic-infested city — a blemish in the country's otherwise tidy green image.

The New York Times - Sports

The 31 years of drawing a strip a day were a draining but exciting daily grind.

The New York Times

Dance truly is an art form that can transcend the everyday, while being rooted in a technique and daily grind that humbles every person working in it.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a daily grind" to vividly describe situations where tasks are repetitive and feel exhausting. It adds a touch of negativity or resignation.

Common error

Avoid using "a daily grind" when describing activities that are enjoyable or fulfilling. The phrase carries a negative connotation and is best suited for tasks perceived as burdensome.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a daily grind" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It often describes a repetitive, tedious, and often unpleasant aspect of daily life. As Ludwig shows, this phrase is commonly found describing work or routine activities.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a daily grind" is a noun phrase used to express the tedious and often unpleasant aspects of a routine. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. It's commonly found in news and media, with a neutral register suitable for many contexts, as shown in Ludwig's examples. While generally acceptable, be mindful of overusing it in highly formal situations and avoid it when describing enjoyable activities. Consider alternatives like "monotonous routine" or "daily hustle" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a monotonous routine

Focuses on the repetitive and unchanging nature of the activity.

a tedious task

Emphasizes the boring and wearisome aspect of the work.

a wearisome chore

Highlights the tiring and burdensome nature of the activity.

a daily slog

Implies a long and arduous effort each day.

the daily hustle

Focuses on the energetic and persistent effort required daily.

a repetitive drudgery

Combines the ideas of repetition and unpleasant labor.

the daily routine

A more neutral alternative that simply refers to the regular activities.

a mundane existence

Highlights the ordinariness and lack of excitement in life.

the rat race

Conveys a sense of competitive and pointless striving.

the treadmill of life

Emphasizes the feeling of being stuck in a never-ending cycle.

FAQs

How can I use "a daily grind" in a sentence?

You can use "a daily grind" to describe a monotonous or exhausting routine, as in "After years of the "daily grind", he decided to pursue his passion".

What are some alternatives to "a daily grind"?

Some alternatives include "monotonous routine", "tedious task", or "daily hustle", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a daily grind" in formal writing?

While "a daily grind" is widely understood, it carries a slightly informal tone. In formal writing, consider using alternatives like "routine tasks" or "repetitive work".

What is the difference between "a daily grind" and "a routine"?

"A routine" simply refers to a sequence of actions regularly followed. "A daily grind", on the other hand, implies that the routine is difficult, monotonous, or unpleasant.