finely ground

USAGE SUMMARY

"finely ground" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe something that has been reduced to a very fine powder or texture. For example, "The pepper should be finely ground before adding it to the dish."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Snuff is finely ground tobacco.

The New York Times

Whiz the hazelnuts in a food processor until finely ground.

Independent

The corn is then finely ground for tortilla dough.

The New York Times - Food

Ironically, a naturally laxative fiber finely ground can become constipating.

The New York Times

A. Almond flour is made of very finely ground almonds.

The New York Times - Food

Use half finely ground pistachio nuts to almonds.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Finely ground magnetite has some unusual fluidisation characteristics.

Chemical Engineering Science

Pulse sliced, slivered or chopped blanched almonds until finely ground.

The New York Times - Food

It's micronized (finely ground) in the laboratory for better absorption in the body.

Harvard University

When finely ground they become the "cream of tartar" in your baking cabinet.

Cornell University

It's comprised from the liquid that remains after soybeans are soaked, finely ground, and then strained.

Columbia University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing food preparation, use "finely ground" to specify the desired texture of ingredients like spices, nuts, or coffee beans.

Common error

Avoid over-grinding substances to the point where they become pasty or lose their intended properties. For instance, when grinding nuts, stop before they release too much oil and form a butter.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "finely ground" functions as a descriptive adjective modifying a noun. It indicates that a substance has been processed to achieve a fine, powdery, or particulate texture. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "finely ground" is a versatile descriptor used to indicate the texture of a substance that has been processed to a fine consistency. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and appears frequently across diverse fields such as science, news, and cooking. Its primary function is to provide specificity regarding particle size, whether it's "finely ground" coffee for espresso or "finely ground" chemicals for laboratory use. While alternatives exist, such as "powdered" or "milled", the choice depends on the context and desired nuance. When using the phrase, avoid over-grinding, which can lead to undesirable results like oily nut butters. The phrase maintains a neutral tone, fitting both formal and informal communications, and remains a common and valuable term in the English language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ground to a powder

More explicitly describes the process and resulting texture.

reduced to fine particles

Focuses on the outcome of breaking down a substance into small pieces.

in a fine powder form

Explicitly describes the state and consistency of the substance.

powdered

Emphasizes the resulting form as a fine powder.

finely crushed

Uses "crushed" instead of "ground", implying a different mechanical action.

pulverized

Implies a more forceful reduction to a fine state.

superfine

A more concise adjective to describe something extremely finely ground.

milled

Suggests processing using a mill to achieve a fine consistency.

highly refined

Highlights the purity and fineness achieved through processing.

micronized

Indicates an extremely fine grinding process, often to microscopic particle sizes.

FAQs

How can I use "finely ground" in a recipe description?

When writing a recipe, specify "finely ground" to indicate the desired texture for ingredients like "finely ground almonds" or spices, ensuring consistent results.

What's the difference between "finely ground" and "coarsely ground"?

"Finely ground" implies a powder-like consistency, while "coarsely ground" suggests a more granular texture. The choice depends on the intended use, such as using coarsely ground pepper for a bolder flavor versus "finely ground espresso" for a smoother brew.

What can I use instead of saying "finely ground"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "powdered", "pulverized", or "milled" to describe a substance that has been reduced to a fine consistency.

Is it necessary to specify "finely ground" when describing certain ingredients?

Yes, specifying "finely ground" is important when the texture significantly impacts the final product. For example, using finely ground grains in baking ensures a smoother texture and even distribution, unlike using "coarsely ground" alternatives.