The effect of poly(acrylic acid), poly(acrylamide), and poly (vinyl alcohol) on the attrition grinding of Illinois No. 6 coal was examined. The grinding efficiency was significantly increased by poly(acrylic acid), slightly decreased by poly(acrylamide), and unaffected by poly(vinyl alcohol). The beneficial effect of poly(acrylic acid) was most pronounced when it was used as an additive in a 55% solids slurry. The beneficial effect decreased with increasing grinding time and was most effective at lower pH values where the poly(acrylic acid) existed in the acid or partially neutralized form. When the mixture of coal slurry plus poly(acrylic acid) was neutralized with alkali to pH 6.62, the beneficial effect disappeared. Subsequent froth flotation, using kerosene and MIBC, of coal ground with poly(acrylic acid) was essentially unaffected by the presence of the additive. Some potential economic advantages of using poly(acrylic acid) as a grinding aid are pointed out.