do their best

USAGE SUMMARY

"do their best" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express the idea of someone making a concentrated effort to complete a task or reach a goal. Example: Everyone was asked to do their best to finish the project on time.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

And they do their best to prevent".

The New Yorker

Others do their best work decades later.

The New Yorker

The churches also do their best.

The Economist

They do their best without it.

The New York Times

"Not because everybody didn't do their best".

The New York Times - Sports

They're all trying to do their best.

The New York Times - Books

But Paramaribo's wild buses do their best.

The New York Times

They do their best to carry on.

The New Yorker

They always do their best to help.

The Guardian - Tech

They do their best for us".

The Guardian

People do their best to get by.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about teamwork, use "do their best" to emphasize individual contributions within a collective effort.

Common error

Avoid setting unrealistic expectations. Saying "they will do their best" doesn't guarantee flawless results; it highlights their commitment to trying.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "do their best" primarily functions as a verbal phrase, indicating an action or effort made by a group or individuals. It signifies a commitment to perform as well as possible, as seen in Ludwig's numerous examples from diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "do their best" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression that conveys effort, commitment, and dedication. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread usage across various contexts, primarily in news and media, but also in scientific and formal settings. While the phrase is versatile, remember that it emphasizes effort rather than guaranteeing success. Related phrases like "give it their all" or "try their hardest" offer similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis. When using "do their best", ensure you set realistic expectations and focus on the commitment to try.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Try their hardest

Highlights the intensity of effort exerted.

Give it their all

Focuses on the total exertion of effort and energy.

Do everything possible

Suggests exploring all available options and resources to succeed.

Make every effort

Indicates a serious and determined attempt to achieve something.

Put their best foot forward

Emphasizes making a good first impression or presenting oneself in the best possible light.

Apply themselves diligently

Emphasizes consistent and focused effort.

Go the extra mile

Highlights exceeding expectations and putting in additional effort.

Exert themselves fully

Focuses on the physical or mental energy expended.

Strive for excellence

Implies a continuous pursuit of high standards and superior performance.

Reach for the stars

Encapsulates ambitious goals and aspirations that require maximum effort.

FAQs

How can I use "do their best" in a sentence?

You can use "do their best" to describe someone making a strong effort: "The team will "do their best" to win the championship."

What are some alternatives to saying "do their best"?

Alternatives include "give it their all", "try their hardest", or "make every effort", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "does their best" instead of "do their best"?

No, "does their best" is grammatically incorrect. "Do" is used with plural pronouns like "they", while "does" is used with singular pronouns like "he", "she", or "it".

What is the difference between "do their best" and "try their best"?

"Do their best" implies a commitment to achieving a goal, whereas "try their best" suggests an attempt without guaranteeing success. The phrase "do their best" often carries a stronger sense of dedication.