do one's best

USAGE SUMMARY

"do one's best" is correct and usable in written English.
It is a phrase used to express that someone is trying their hardest to do something. Example: "I will do my best to make sure the project is finished on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

The point of the equipoise theory was that it seeks to show how randomisation can be consistent with seeking to do one's best for one's patient.

Arthritis Research and Therapy

In my 50-year career in this field, I know not a "beer-and-brats culture," but rather a commitment on the part of all in the F.B.I. to try to do one's best for country, government and agency.

The New York Times

Translated, it means a promise to do one's best.

The New York Times - Sports

All I know is that one must do one's best not to be a plague victim..

The Guardian - Books

To be feminine, in one commonly felt definition, is to be attractive, or to do one's best to be attractive; to attract.

The Guardian

Bode Miller's attitude ("The Mountain Comes to Miller," Jan . 25 -- trying to do one's best rather than trying to best someone else -- is refreshing and all too rare in sports.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Energetic, idealistic teachers attuned to their students; back-to-basics approaches to learning combined with innovative approaches to standard drills and pedagogy; and strict emphasis on doing one's best -- all these clearly work at Bronx Prep.

The New York Times

The general assumption is that they're going to be big, beefy reds (and before anyone points out I've done much the same in the past, it's What Is Expected, and one does one's best to oblige).

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"When one's in love with a lonely god," she told Amy last year, "one does one's best to hide the damage".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"When one's in love with a lonely God," she once said to Mommy Amy, "one does one's best to hide the damage".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Once Stockhausen was happy one was doing one's best to meet the challenges of his music, he was pleasant to work with, appreciative, and inspirational with students.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "do one's best", ensure that the context clearly indicates the area where the effort is being applied. This helps to avoid ambiguity and strengthens the message.

Common error

While "do one's best" is a valid expression, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "try one's hardest" or "give it one's all" for a more dynamic and engaging style.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "do one's best" functions as an idiomatic expression indicating a commitment to make a significant effort. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

2%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "do one's best" is a common idiomatic expression used to convey a commitment to make a significant effort. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely applicable across diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media. While it generally carries a neutral tone, remember to provide context for clarity and avoid overuse. Alternatives like "try one's hardest" or "give it one's all" can add variety to your writing. Be careful to avoid using the expression in contexts in which you have the intention to show no commitment at all. In summary, "do one's best" is a versatile and reliable phrase for expressing effort and commitment, but judicious use and contextual awareness are key.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

try one's hardest

Emphasizes the intensity of the effort being made.

do the utmost

A formal way of saying to do the absolute best possible.

give it one's all

Suggests a complete and total commitment of effort.

make every effort

Highlights the active attempt to achieve something.

go the extra mile

Suggests exceeding expectations and putting in additional effort.

put one's best foot forward

Focuses on making a good initial impression.

exert oneself fully

A more formal and emphatic way of expressing maximum effort.

apply oneself diligently

Emphasizes the focused and careful application of effort.

strive to excel

Implies a pursuit of excellence and high achievement.

leave no stone unturned

Indicates a thorough and exhaustive effort.

FAQs

How can I use "do one's best" in a sentence?

You can use "do one's best" to express an intention to make a strong effort: "I will "do one's best" to finish the project on time." or to describe someone's efforts: "She always "does one's best" in every task she undertakes".

What is a more formal way to say "do one's best"?

A more formal way to say "do one's best" is to use phrases like "exert oneself fully" or "do the utmost". These options are suitable for professional or academic writing.

Are there any common mistakes to avoid when using "do one's best"?

A common mistake is to use it as a generic filler without specifying what one is trying their best at. Always provide context to clarify the area of effort. For instance, instead of saying "I'll do my best", say "I'll "do my best" to meet the deadline".

What's the difference between "do one's best" and "try one's best"?

While similar, ""do one's best"" implies a commitment to actually achieving a good outcome, whereas "try one's best" focuses more on the effort itself, without necessarily guaranteeing success.