do your utmost

USAGE SUMMARY

"do your utmost" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means to make maximum effort or do everything possible to achieve something. Example: "I know this is a difficult task, but I trust you to do your utmost to complete it successfully." This phrase can be used in various contexts, such as in motivation or encouragement, giving instructions or advice, or in expressing one's determination or confidence in someone's abilities.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

Adding: "Then do your utmost to ensure that any negative impact is minimised".

The Guardian - Travel

The advice to the new office starter is elemental: do your utmost to make the tea within the first week.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

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

It is left to you to win the respect of all those you come across and do your utmost to succeed in whatever sphere you may be placed".

The Guardian

Ultimately, you can only judge the books in front of you, and do your utmost to pay attention, read closely, do them justice, give them a chance.

The Guardian - Books

This is an opportunity for us to get to a final, and when [these chances] come you have to grasp them and do your utmost to get through.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

"Reed and I are at that time in life where you see the end of the pier, and you think this doesn't go on forever, so you focus on doing your utmost with each role you create," said Ms. Marvel, 43, who has eight Broadway appearances and four Obies.

The New York Times

By exercising your entrepreneurial abilities, you will earn deep personal rewards, while doing your utmost to keep the American idea alive in this world.

Forbes

Look often and look honestly at your gorgeous self, and make sure you're doing your utmost to highlight your best features.

Huffington Post

I would think you would be outraged at what has happened to the upper chamber in which you sit, and would be doing your utmost to sound the alarm.

HuffPost

Embrace your freedom and your incredible opportunities at one of America's finest schools by doing your utmost to protect the many Palestinian students working by candlelight in Gaza to reach where you are today.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "do your utmost", consider the audience and context. While widely applicable, it carries a tone of encouragement and expectation, suitable for both formal and informal settings.

Common error

While "do your utmost" is a strong expression, overuse can diminish its impact. Vary your language with synonyms like "try your hardest" or "give it your all" to maintain a fresh and engaging tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "do your utmost" functions as a directive or expression of intention, urging or committing to making the greatest possible effort. This is supported by Ludwig, where it is found in contexts of encouragement and commitment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Wiki

28%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Reference

4%

Science

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "do your utmost" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression that signifies making the greatest possible effort. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's versatile across various contexts, primarily appearing in news, media, and formal business settings. While its usage is generally straightforward, varying your phrasing with synonyms like "try your hardest" or "give it your all" can enhance your writing style. The phrase is appropriate for a wide range of situations, serving to both encourage and express commitment effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

try your hardest

Focuses on the effort expended, rather than the eventual outcome.

give it your all

Emphasizes the total commitment of one's energy and resources.

exert maximum effort

More formal and highlights the application of effort.

make every effort

Stresses the dedication to taking action.

go the extra mile

Implies exceeding expectations in one's efforts.

do your best

A common, slightly less intense way of expressing a similar sentiment.

spare no effort

Highlights the unrestrained commitment to achieving a goal.

put your heart into it

Focuses on the emotional investment in the task.

leave no stone unturned

Implies a thorough and exhaustive approach.

move heaven and earth

Suggests a willingness to do anything, regardless of difficulty, to achieve a goal.

FAQs

What does "do your utmost" mean?

The phrase "do your utmost" means to make the greatest effort possible, striving to achieve the best outcome. It suggests dedication and commitment to a task or goal.

How can I use "do your utmost" in a sentence?

You can use "do your utmost" to encourage someone, express your intentions, or describe someone's effort. For example, "I trust you will "do your utmost" to complete this project successfully".

What can I say instead of "do your utmost"?

You can use alternatives like "try your hardest", "give it your all", or "make every effort" depending on the context.

Is "do your utmost best" redundant?

Yes, "do your utmost best" is considered redundant because "utmost" already implies the best possible effort. It's more concise and grammatically sound to simply say "do your utmost" or "do your best".