be diligent

USAGE SUMMARY

'be diligent' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to encourage someone to try hard and persist in an effort. For example, you might say, "If you want to achieve success, you must be diligent."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

He must also be diligent.

The New York Times - Sports

To be diligent and patient.

The New York Times

"We have to be diligent and stay on message".

The New York Times

"Like men, women have to be diligent and work hard.

The Guardian - Arts

BE DILIGENT No one has time to read 50 e-mails a day from retailers.

The New York Times - Tech

Be diligent and committed, and the process will take care of itself.

The New York Times

But the campaign also showed Brown to be diligent, patient and shrewd.

The New York Times - Magazine

"You need to be diligent in safeguarding your valuables and using your safe".

The New York Times

The preserves cook in about 40 minutes, during which time you must be diligent.

The New York Times - Food

Nancy Clark: You do have to be diligent about protein intake if you're vegan.

The New York Times

It may be diligent, but it cannot be transparent, which is what people now want.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be diligent" when you want to emphasize the importance of focused and responsible effort in achieving a goal. It's particularly effective when instructing someone to pay close attention to detail.

Common error

While diligence involves thoroughness and attention to detail, avoid letting it morph into an unattainable pursuit of perfection. Aim for excellence, but recognize when 'good enough' is sufficient to prevent unnecessary delays or stress.

Linguistic Context

"Be diligent" functions as an imperative phrase, used to give a command or instruction. Ludwig AI confirms its proper grammatical structure, reflecting its role in urging action with care and focus, as seen in the examples provided.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Wiki

31%

Science

21%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be diligent" is a versatile and commonly used imperative, suitable for encouraging focused and responsible effort across various contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide acceptance. While it's crucial to avoid confusing diligence with perfectionism, understanding its nuanced usage—as exemplified in both formal and informal settings—can significantly enhance your communication. With examples from authoritative sources like The New York Times and guidance from platforms like WikiHow, mastering the application of "be diligent" enables you to convey the importance of dedication effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

apply yourself

Focuses more on effort and dedication.

work hard

Emphasizes effort and labor.

stay focused

Highlights concentration and avoiding distractions.

persevere

Suggests persistence despite difficulties.

keep at it

Offers encouragement to continue working.

be industrious

Implies consistent and productive activity.

be assiduous

Focuses on careful and persistent effort.

remain vigilant

Stresses the need for constant watchfulness and care.

maintain attention

Directs toward sustaining focus on a specific task or objective.

undertake conscientiously

Indicates performing duties with integrity and a strong sense of responsibility.

FAQs

How can I use "be diligent" in a sentence?

Use "be diligent" as an imperative to advise someone to apply focused effort and careful attention to a task. For instance, "Be diligent in your studies to achieve good grades".

What phrases can I use instead of "be diligent"?

Alternatives to "be diligent" include "apply yourself", "work hard", or "stay focused", each emphasizing different aspects of dedicated effort.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "be diligent"?

The phrase "be diligent" is appropriate when you want to emphasize the importance of focused, careful, and persistent effort in completing a task or achieving a goal. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts where attentiveness is required.

Is "be diligent" a formal or informal expression?

The phrase "be diligent" is generally considered to be neutral in tone, suitable for both formal and informal settings. It conveys a sense of responsibility and attention to detail that is valued in various contexts.