do the work

USAGE SUMMARY

'do the work' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to talk about completing a task or assignment. For example: "I have a lot of homework to do, so I'm going to go do the work now."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Do the work".

The New Yorker

Have professionals do the work.

The New York Times

Let momentum do the work.

The New York Times - Sports

Inmates will do the work.

The New York Times

We just have to do the work.

The New York Times

To let the club do the work.

The New Yorker

They just don't do the work.

The New Yorker

She had a contractor do the work.

The New York Times

AOL will do the work for consumers".

The New Yorker

"We do the work," Katrin said.

The New Yorker

Most times, they do the work.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When instructing someone to "do the work", be specific about the tasks involved to ensure clarity and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "do the work" without specifying what work needs to be done. Providing context or details about the required tasks will prevent misinterpretations and ensure effective communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "do the work" functions as an imperative, urging action or effort toward completing a task or fulfilling a responsibility. It's a straightforward expression found in various contexts, as indicated by Ludwig, emphasizing the necessity of putting in the required effort.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

35%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "do the work" is a common and versatile expression used to emphasize the importance of effort and action in achieving a goal or fulfilling a responsibility. Ludwig's analysis confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely applicable, appearing frequently in news media and instructional contexts. While generally neutral in register, it's crucial to provide context when using "do the work" to avoid ambiguity and ensure clear communication. Alternatives such as "carry out the task" or "complete the assignment" may be more appropriate in formal settings. In essence, "do the work" is a straightforward and effective way to convey the necessity of putting in the required effort to achieve desired outcomes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

get the job done

A more colloquial alternative, stressing the achievement of a goal.

carry out the task

Replaces "do" with "carry out", emphasizing the execution aspect of the work.

complete the assignment

Specifically refers to finishing a task that has been assigned.

perform the duties

Uses more formal language, suitable for professional contexts, and focuses on fulfilling responsibilities.

execute the project

Emphasizes the completion of a structured endeavor or project.

accomplish the objective

Focuses on achieving a specific goal or objective through effort.

undertake the endeavor

Highlights the initiation and commitment to a challenging task.

handle the responsibility

Highlights the management and execution of a given responsibility.

address the issue

Suggests taking action to resolve a particular problem or concern.

apply oneself

Emphasizes dedicating effort and focus to achieve something.

FAQs

How can I use "do the work" in a sentence?

You can use "do the work" to express the need to complete a task or fulfill an obligation. For example, "If you want to succeed, you need to "do the work"".

What are some alternatives to saying "do the work"?

Instead of "do the work", you can use phrases like "carry out the task", "complete the assignment", or "get the job done" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "do the work" in formal writing?

While "do the work" is generally acceptable, it might be more suitable to use more formal alternatives like "perform the duties" or "execute the project" in formal writing.

What's the difference between "do the work" and "make it work"?

"Do the work" refers to completing specific tasks, while "make it work" implies finding a way to succeed or solve a problem, often under difficult circumstances.