diligently

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'diligently' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone that is working hard and paying close attention to detail. Example sentence: She diligently worked on the project, ensuring every detail was perfect.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Now against England, over the last two matches at least, the Australian Test story has come to follow a familiar script: diligently compile a first innings lead, bowl with discipline and composure, set things up nicely for the final day, then either crumble in the final innings if batting, or fall a couple of wickets short of the win if bowling.

The Guardian - Sport

Everton's teenage sensation Ross Barkley, who will eventually join Anzhi in the year 2029, is a £20m target for Chelsea, whose manager André Villas-Boas is diligently pursuing the fantasy of having a team with a younger average age than his.

The Guardian - Sport

I did mine diligently – I wanted, very badly, to get better.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But El Salvador did not crumble and instead worked diligently to prevent the Belgians from adding to their tally.

The Guardian - Sport

They diligently wrote to the DVLA to tell it about the changes of ownership.

The Guardian - Money

"We will work diligently to assure student-athletes competing in, and visitors attending, next week's Men's Final Four in Indianapolis are not impacted negatively by this bill," Emmert said, hours after Gov. Mike Pence signed the measure into law.

The Guardian - Sport

He also paid tribute to the work of the Innocence Project and pro bono unit at Cardiff Law School, which took up the appellant's case "and pursued it so diligently".

The Guardian

Not for Walsh the quiet dignity of walking away from one job and diligently, quietly beginning work on a new one – in this case the international launch of his new boyband, HomeTown, who showcased in London this week.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

It's a proper album-lover's album, so diligently assembled that it encourages you to accept or reject the whole thing on its own terms.

The Guardian - Music

Sony has only confirmed that it suffered a "system disruption", which it was "working diligently to resolve".

The Guardian - Film

He also campaigned diligently, visiting more than 100 train stops to greet befuddled commuters.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "diligently" when you want to emphasize the consistent and careful effort someone puts into a task. It suggests a strong work ethic and attention to detail.

Common error

Avoid using "diligent" as an adjective when you need an adverb. "Diligent" describes a person's character, while "diligently" describes how they perform an action. For example, say "He worked diligently" instead of "He was diligent working."

Linguistic Context

The adverb "diligently" primarily functions to modify verbs, indicating the manner in which an action is performed. As Ludwig AI confirms, it emphasizes thoroughness and care in the execution of the action. Examples from Ludwig show it used to describe tasks performed with dedication and attention to detail.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Formal & Business

22%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the adverb "diligently" is a versatile term used to describe actions performed with consistent effort and careful attention to detail. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and appropriateness in various contexts, particularly within news and formal business settings. Alternative phrases, such as "assiduously" or "conscientiously", offer nuances in meaning, allowing for more precise expression. When using "diligently", remember to avoid confusing it with the adjective "diligent" and ensure it correctly modifies a verb to describe the manner of action. The prevalence of "diligently" in authoritative sources like The Guardian and The Economist underscores its value in conveying dedication and thoroughness in written communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

assiduously

Focuses more on the persistent and attentive nature of the effort.

conscientiously

Highlights the moral or ethical aspect of putting in effort.

meticulously

Emphasizes the extreme attention to detail.

earnestly

Suggests sincerity and serious intent in the effort.

industriously

Stresses the hardworking and productive nature of the effort.

attentively

Highlights careful observation and focus.

sedulously

Implies a persistent and careful dedication to achieving a goal.

studiously

Emphasizes careful and methodical approach, like in study.

vigorously

Focuses on the energetic and forceful application of effort.

thoroughly

Emphasizes the completeness and exhaustiveness of the effort.

FAQs

How can I use "diligently" in a sentence?

"Diligently" is used to describe how someone performs an action with great care and effort. For example, "She "diligently" researched the topic before writing her report."

What are some alternatives to saying "diligently"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "assiduously", "conscientiously", or "meticulously" to convey a similar meaning.

Is there a difference between "diligent" and "diligently"?

"Diligent" is an adjective that describes someone who is hardworking and careful. "Diligently" is an adverb that describes how an action is performed. For example, "She is a diligent student" (adjective) vs. "She studies "diligently"" (adverb).

When is it appropriate to use "diligently" instead of "carefully"?

"Diligently" emphasizes sustained effort and dedication, while "carefully" highlights attention to detail and caution. Use "diligently" when you want to stress the consistent effort involved in a task, and use "carefully" when you want to emphasize the need for precision and accuracy.