do their part

USAGE SUMMARY

"do their part" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to indicate that someone should do something in order to contribute to a larger effort. For example: "The staff at the hospital worked hard to provide care to the many patients, and each employee was asked to do their part."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The Afghans must also do their part.

The Economist

"Everyone has to do their part".

The New York Times

INDIVIDUAL users could also do their part.

The New York Times - Tech

Now governments must do their part, too.

The Economist

Certainly, politicians do their part.

The New York Times

Drivers must also do their part, however.

The Guardian

These groups want to do their part".

The New York Times

Investors are failing to do their part.

The Guardian

Everybody has to do their part.

The New York Times

Still, parents need to do their part.

The New York Times

"The consumer needs to do their part," she said.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider varying your language. While "do their part" is perfectly acceptable and common, using alternatives like "contribute their share" or "play their role" can enhance your writing and avoid repetition.

Common error

Avoid using "do their part" without clearly specifying what "their part" entails. Vague usage can lead to confusion and a lack of effective contribution from those involved.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "do their part" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to describe the action of contributing to a collective effort. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. It highlights individual or group contributions to a larger purpose.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "do their part" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to convey the idea of contributing to a shared goal. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely accepted and used across various contexts. Its neutral tone makes it suitable for both formal and informal settings, and it effectively communicates the importance of collective responsibility. While there are various alternatives, understanding the specific nuance you wish to convey will guide your choice. Remember to clearly define the scope of "their part" to avoid ambiguity and ensure effective contribution.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

contribute their share

Replaces "do" with "contribute" and "part" with "share", emphasizing the act of giving something.

play their role

Substitutes "do their part" with "play their role", highlighting the specific function someone performs.

pull their weight

Focuses on contributing an equal amount of effort, especially when others are also working hard.

fulfill their responsibility

Emphasizes the obligation to contribute, making it more formal than "do their part".

shoulder their responsibility

Implies taking on a burden or duty, adding a sense of weight to the contribution.

pitch in

An informal alternative that suggests a collaborative effort.

lend a hand

Suggests direct assistance, often in a physical or practical sense.

chip in

Similar to "pitch in", but can also imply contributing money.

make a contribution

A more general phrase that simply means to add something positive.

give their support

Highlights providing encouragement or resources to aid a cause or effort.

FAQs

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

You can use "do their part" to describe how individuals or groups contribute to a shared goal. For instance, "Everyone needs to "do their part" to reduce waste and protect the environment".

What are some alternatives to "do their part"?

Alternatives include "contribute their share", "play their role", or "fulfill their responsibility", depending on the context and desired emphasis.

Is "do their part" formal or informal?

"Do their part" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal alternatives exist, such as "fulfill their responsibility".

What does it mean when someone says "everyone needs to do their part"?

It means that everyone should contribute to a shared goal or effort. It implies a collective responsibility where individual actions combine to achieve a larger outcome.