pulverize

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pulverize" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to reducing something to fine particles or powder, often in cooking or scientific contexts. Example: "The chef will pulverize the spices to enhance their flavor." Alternative expressions include "grind" and "crush."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

You can pulverize them yourself in a food processor or in a mortar and pestle.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

As the drum rotates, the steel balls pulverize the contents; this device is called a ball mill.

Encyclopedia Britannica

These points rip through the soil and stir it but do not invert and pulverize as well as the moldboard and disk plows.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The use of focused shock waves to pulverize stones in the urinary tract, usually the kidney or upper ureter, is called extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL).

Encyclopedia Britannica

He has tamed these waters and their capacity to pulverize.

Independent

Harrow, farm implement used to pulverize soil, break up crop residues, uproot weeds, and cover seed.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Mortars owed their name to the powder chamber of reduced diameter that was recessed into the breech; this made them similar in appearance to the mortars used to pulverize grain and chemicals by hand.

Encyclopedia Britannica

When fired against masonry walls, heavy iron balls tended to pulverize stone and brick.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"Third" is music by people starting from scratch and for people who want to utterly pulverize boredom.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Perfect and pulverizing.

The Guardian - Sport

The explosion hurled her through the air, nearly severing her right leg and pulverizing most of the left.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "pulverize", consider the context to ensure it accurately conveys the intended level of destruction or reduction to powder. For instance, "grind" or "crush" may be more appropriate for culinary contexts, while "annihilate" or "demolish" might better suit contexts involving complete destruction.

Common error

Avoid using "pulverize" in situations where a gentler term would suffice. For example, instead of saying "the chef pulverized the herbs", consider using "minced" or "chopped" for a more accurate description.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "pulverize" is as a transitive verb. It describes the action of reducing something to fine particles or destroying it completely. Ludwig examples showcase both literal and metaphorical usage, with Ludwig AI confirming its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

19%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "pulverize" is a versatile verb used to describe the act of reducing something to fine particles or destroying it completely. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news and media, encyclopedias and science. While it can be used literally, such as when referring to grinding spices or crushing rocks, it also finds metaphorical application in describing overwhelming defeat or criticism. When employing "pulverize", it's important to consider the context to ensure the word aligns with the intended meaning and level of formality. While the word is considered of neutral register, it is not suitable in situations where a gentler word would be more appropriate. Alternative words that convey the same meaning of "pulverize" are "grind to a powder", "crush into dust" or "smash to smithereens".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

grind to a powder

Focuses on the action of reducing something to a powder form through grinding.

crush into dust

Emphasizes the act of crushing something until it turns into dust.

smash to smithereens

Indicates a violent breaking of something into very small pieces.

reduce to fragments

Highlights the process of breaking something down into smaller pieces.

break into pieces

A more general term for causing something to separate into multiple parts.

demolish completely

Focuses on the complete destruction of something.

annihilate utterly

Implies a complete and total destruction or obliteration.

obliterate entirely

Highlights the act of removing something completely from existence.

eradicate thoroughly

Emphasizes the act of completely removing or destroying something undesirable.

decimate vigorously

Indicates a severe reduction or destruction, often affecting a large portion.

FAQs

How can I use "pulverize" in a sentence?

You can use "pulverize" to describe reducing something to fine particles, as in "The machine will "pulverize the glass" into sand", or to describe completely destroying something, such as "The Dynamo want to "pulverize the Galaxy"".

What are some synonyms for "pulverize"?

Alternatives to "pulverize" include "grind", "crush", "demolish", or "annihilate", depending on the intended nuance.

Is it correct to use "pulverize" in a metaphorical sense?

Yes, "pulverize" can be used metaphorically to describe overwhelming or defeating someone or something, as in "Critics tended to "pulverize us"", indicating harsh criticism.

What's the difference between "pulverize" and "crush"?

"Pulverize" implies reducing something to a fine powder or dust, while "crush" suggests applying force to break something down, which might not necessarily result in a powder. For example, you might crush garlic with the side of a knife, but you would pulverize spices to create a fine powder.