do my utmost

USAGE SUMMARY

"do my utmost" is correct and usable in written English.
It is a phrase used to express that one will do everything they can to reach a goal. For example, "I will do my utmost to finish this project by tomorrow morning."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

"I would do my utmost.

The New York Times - Books

"I will do my utmost," he said.

The Guardian - Sport

"I will do my utmost with you to regain power".

The Guardian

I race hard, do my utmost and then I forget about it.

The Guardian - Sport

"I will do my utmost to do as well as I can".

The New York Times - Sports

These days, whenever I'm asked that question, I do my utmost to give a different answer every time.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

I've done my utmost to keep him away from showbusiness.

Independent

I'm doing my utmost to prevent the dying of this essential American art form.

The New York Times

"I will be doing my utmost to hold the government to account".

The Guardian

I was doing my utmost to stay awake but couldn't".

The Guardian

Nobody at the club wants him to go so I will be doing my utmost to make sure he stays.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "do my utmost" in formal contexts to convey a strong sense of commitment and dedication. For a slightly less formal tone, consider "try my best".

Common error

While "do my utmost" is grammatically correct, overuse in casual conversation can sound overly formal or unnatural. Opt for simpler phrases like "I'll do my best" or "I'll give it my all" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "do my utmost" functions as a declaration of intent, signifying a strong commitment to exert maximum effort towards achieving a specific goal. Ludwig provides several examples showing how this phrase is used in various contexts to convey dedication and determination.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

25%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "do my utmost" is a grammatically sound and widely used phrase that conveys a strong commitment to making every possible effort, as confirmed by Ludwig. Predominantly found in news media and formal business contexts, it serves to reassure others of one's dedication and responsibility. While versatile, it's best suited for formal settings. Consider less emphatic phrases like "try my best" for more casual situations. Remember this and you will ensure a correct and professional use of "do my utmost".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Give it my all

Focuses on dedicating all available effort and energy.

Do everything in my power

Emphasizes utilizing all available abilities and resources.

Try my best

A more common and less emphatic way of saying "do my utmost".

Exert maximum effort

Highlights the physical or mental exertion involved.

Do my level best

Implies doing the best effort possible.

Go the extra mile

Implies exceeding expectations and putting in additional effort.

Strive mightily

Focuses on struggling or working hard.

Bend over backwards

Suggests making considerable effort, sometimes to an excessive degree, to accommodate someone.

Move heaven and earth

Indicates doing absolutely everything possible, regardless of difficulty.

Leave no stone unturned

Implies thoroughness and diligence in searching or investigating.

FAQs

What does "do my utmost" mean?

The phrase "do my utmost" means to try as hard as possible to achieve something, to make a great effort.

How can I use "do my utmost" in a sentence?

You can use "do my utmost" to express your commitment to making a great effort, such as "I will "do my utmost" to ensure the project is a success".

What are some alternatives to "do my utmost"?

Alternatives to "do my utmost" include phrases like "give it my all", "try my best", or "do everything in my power".

Is it more appropriate to use "do my utmost" or "try my best"?

"Do my utmost" is a more formal and emphatic way of saying "try my best". Use "do my utmost" in formal situations where you want to convey a strong commitment. "Try my best" is suitable for most situations and less formal.