daily grind

USAGE SUMMARY

'daily grind' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to the everyday work routine or tasks that one must do to make a living. For example: "The daily grind can be hard, but it's worth it in the end."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The daily grind turned into daily golf.

The New York Times

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

The New York Times

"He's doing the dance — the daily grind".

The New York Times

The daily grind, the public humiliation.

The New York Times

"It just becomes a daily grind.

The New York Times - Sports

It also offers respite from the daily grind.

The New York Times

Depicting the daily grind of experimentation can prove a challenge.

The New York Times - Books

Probst said simply, "I love the daily grind".

The New York Times - Sports

Something to take them far from the daily grind.

The New York Times - Science

What was uppermost was the daily grind of living.

The Guardian

He'd get some relief from the daily grind as well".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "daily grind" to succinctly convey the idea of monotonous or difficult daily work routines. It's effective when you want to evoke a sense of weariness or lack of excitement about one's job or daily tasks.

Common error

While "daily grind" is a useful idiom, avoid using it excessively in your writing. Over-repetition can make your writing sound cliché or uninspired. Instead, vary your vocabulary with more descriptive alternatives depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "daily grind" functions as a noun phrase, typically referring to the routine and often monotonous tasks associated with daily work or life. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in describing the repetitive nature of employment or chores.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "daily grind" is a common noun phrase used to describe the monotonous or difficult tasks of everyday work. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use. It is frequently found in News & Media contexts. When using the phrase, be mindful of overuse, opting for synonyms like "everyday routine" or "daily toil" to add variety. Keep the register in mind; while generally neutral, it leans toward informal. Ultimately, "daily grind" effectively conveys the less enjoyable aspects of routine responsibilities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

daily slog

Focuses on the arduous and tiring nature of daily work.

daily toil

Highlights the effort and labor involved in daily work.

everyday routine

Focuses on the habitual nature of daily tasks, less negative connotation.

drudgery of work

Emphasizes the monotonous and unpleasant aspect of work.

daily labor

Stresses the physical exertion and effort required in daily work.

workaday world

Emphasizes the practical and ordinary aspects of working life.

routine tasks

Highlights the repetitive and predictable nature of daily activities.

the daily round

Highlights the cyclical and repetitive nature of daily activities.

mundane tasks

Focuses on the boring and unexciting nature of everyday activities.

the rat race

Implies a competitive and exhausting pursuit of success in work.

FAQs

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

You can use "daily grind" to refer to the monotonous and often unpleasant tasks that make up a typical workday. For example, "He decided to quit his job and escape the "daily grind"".

What are some synonyms for "daily grind"?

Alternatives to "daily grind" include "everyday routine", "daily toil", or "drudgery of work". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "daily grind" a formal or informal expression?

"Daily grind" is generally considered an informal expression. While widely understood, it's often more appropriate for casual conversations or less formal writing. In professional contexts, consider using a more neutral term like "work routine" or "daily tasks".

What's the difference between "daily grind" and "work-life balance"?

"Daily grind" refers to the routine and often tedious aspects of work, whereas "work-life balance" refers to the equilibrium between professional responsibilities and personal life. They are related in that an undesirable "daily grind" can negatively impact one's work-life balance.