do our bit

USAGE SUMMARY

"do our bit" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used as a phrase to refer to making an effort in order to achieve something. For example, "We should all do our bit to reduce plastic waste".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

The Guardian - Opinion

BBC

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Do our bit.

The Guardian - Opinion

"We will continue to do our bit".

Independent

"Time to reflect and do our bit.

The Guardian

We try to do our bit.

The Guardian - Opinion

But how eager are we to do our bit?

Independent

Thornton: I do feel we have to do our bit.

The Guardian

After all, we all like to do our bit.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Let's do our bit for Britain and our race".

The Guardian

We need to raise awareness and we can all do our bit in our own way.

Independent

We had muddled through on the vague notion that we'd each do our bit.

Independent

"I think we all have to do our bit," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "do our bit" when you want to emphasize a collective responsibility or contribution toward a common goal. It implies that everyone should make an effort, no matter how small, to achieve the desired outcome.

Common error

Avoid using "do our bit" when a more significant or comprehensive action is required. The phrase implies a small contribution, and overstating its impact can undermine your message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "do our bit" functions as a verb phrase expressing the act of contributing or making an effort toward a shared goal. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its common usage in contexts where collective action is encouraged.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

8%

Science

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "do our bit" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to convey the idea of contributing or making an effort toward a shared goal. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It's frequently found in news and media sources, indicating its relevance in public discourse. While its register is generally neutral, it leans slightly towards informal, making it suitable for a wide range of contexts. Remember to use it when a collective effort is emphasized and avoid overstating the impact of individual contributions. Alternatives such as "play our part" or "make a contribution" can be used to add nuance or formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

do our share

Highlights the fairness of distributing effort or responsibility.

play our part

Focuses on fulfilling an expected role or duty.

make a contribution

Emphasizes the act of giving or adding something of value.

make an effort

General term for trying to achieve something.

step up

Suggests taking initiative and assuming a more active role.

lend a hand

Suggests offering assistance or support.

chip in

Implies a collective effort where everyone contributes something, often money.

take responsibility

Focuses on accepting accountability and acting accordingly.

shoulder our responsibility

Emphasizes bearing the weight of an obligation or task.

fulfill our obligation

Highlights the act of completing or satisfying a duty.

FAQs

How can I use "do our bit" in a sentence?

You can use "do our bit" to express the idea of contributing to a shared goal. For instance, "We should all do our bit to reduce carbon emissions."

What's a synonym for "do our bit"?

Alternatives include "play our part", "contribute", or "do our share", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "done our bit"?

Yes, "done our bit" is the past participle form, indicating that the contribution has already been made. For example, "We've done our bit; now it's up to others."

What is the difference between "do our bit" and "do our best"?

"Do our bit" implies contributing to a collective effort, while "do our best" means making the maximum effort possible individually. You "do your best" regardless of others, but "do your bit" as part of a group.