do one's utmost

USAGE SUMMARY

"do one's utmost" is correct and usable in written English
You can use it when you want to emphasize the need for a person to put in maximum effort. For example: "The team must do their utmost to prepare for the upcoming competition."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Speaking of another gold medal, he added, "I will do my utmost to grab one, unless my eyes are really blind".

The New York Times

"My thoughts upon hearing the news were, one, I will do my utmost to live up to the high standards set forth by my predecessors; and two, I hope they don't find out I hosted the Charlie Sheen Roast".

The Guardian - Film

On the one hand they must do their utmost to maintain a good doctor-patient relationship, on the other hand they also have to comply with the demands of society and refrain from the overuse of public resources.

BMC Family Practice

I do so with the utmost respect.

Huffington Post

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

"We should do our utmost to ensure no one is harmed, but we can't guarantee that people will not be shaken up by scenes of disorder … We are not calling for political reform or changes to the tax system.

The Guardian

"We have to do everything with utmost secrecy or we will be gone.

The Guardian

This is the key point to remember: When your partner's suit is one lead from being established, do your utmost to win the next defensive trick.

The New York Times

Love between one person and another: that is perhaps the hardest thing it is laid on us to do, the utmost, the ultimate trial and test, the work for which all other work is just preparation".

The Guardian - Books

"I would do my utmost.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "do one's utmost" to emphasize a commitment to making a significant effort. This phrase is suitable for formal contexts and implies a high level of dedication.

Common error

Avoid using "do one's utmost" in very informal settings. While the phrase is perfectly acceptable, it can sound overly formal or even pretentious in casual conversation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "do one's utmost" functions as a verbal phrase that emphasizes the action of exerting maximum effort. According to Ludwig AI, it is considered correct and usable in written English, highlighting the need for a person to put in maximum effort.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "do one's utmost" is a grammatically sound and formal expression used to convey a strong commitment to making the greatest possible effort. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English for emphasizing maximum effort. While its formal tone makes it suitable for professional or academic contexts, it should be used judiciously in informal settings. Related phrases like "try one's best" or "give it one's all" can provide more casual alternatives when appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

try one's best

Focuses on the effort made, without necessarily implying the absolute maximum.

do one's best

Similar to 'try one's best', emphasizing effort and a positive outcome.

give it one's all

Emphasizes the complete dedication of one's energy and resources.

exert oneself to the fullest

Highlights the physical or mental effort expended to achieve a goal.

make every effort

Focuses on the deliberate actions taken to achieve a specific outcome.

go all out

Suggests unrestrained effort and enthusiasm.

spare no effort

Indicates a willingness to invest significant resources to succeed.

leave no stone unturned

Implies a thorough and exhaustive search or effort.

strain every nerve

Suggests pushing oneself to the limit, both physically and mentally.

move heaven and earth

Signifies an extraordinary effort, often implying a willingness to overcome great obstacles.

FAQs

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

You can use "do one's utmost" to express a commitment to making a significant effort. For example, "The team will "try their best" and do their utmost to win the championship".

What are some alternatives to "do one's utmost"?

Alternatives include "try one's best", "do one's best", or "give it one's all". The best choice depends on the context and desired level of formality.

Is "do my utmost" formal or informal?

"Do my utmost" is generally considered a formal phrase. While grammatically correct and widely understood, it is more often used in professional or serious contexts than in casual conversation. In informal contexts consider using "try my best" or "give it my all".

What is the difference between "do my utmost" and "do my best"?

"Do my utmost" suggests making the greatest effort possible, while "do my best" simply means to try as well as one can. "Do my utmost" is also more formal.