The present invention discloses compositions and methods wherein polycarboxylate comb polymers are used as grinding additives. The comb polymers contain a carbon-containing backbone and pendant groups wherein oxyalkylene pendant groups contain one or more ether linkage groups for providing robustness to the polymer for resisting degradation during grinding and hence sustaining workability and strength of hydratable cementitious materials, such as cements, pozzolans, limestone, and other cementitious materials.