doing his utmost

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "doing his utmost" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that someone is making the greatest effort possible in a given situation. Example: "He is doing his utmost to ensure that the project is completed on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

Harrist was doing his utmost.

The New Yorker

"He is doing his utmost not to make this painful," she said.

The New York Times

This book sees him as determinedly unhappy, obsessed with death and doing his utmost to bring it on.

The New York Times - Books

At least Rod Liddle is doing his utmost to keep the Haltemprice and Howden by-election vaguely entertaining.

Independent

Reformers have introduced extension legislation in New York as well, but New York's Cardinal Timothy Dolan is doing his utmost to ensure that it never becomes law.

The New York Times

In what is largely a decentralized union, Mr. McEntee is doing his utmost to serve as national field marshal, strategist and megaphone for the counterattack.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

"He did his utmost best.

The Guardian

But he did his utmost and I cannot demand more".

The Guardian - Sport

He himself did his utmost to extend the empire in Africa.

The Economist

John Gwynne does his utmost to replicate the verbal acuity that made Sid so beloved.

Independent

He did his utmost to narrow the gap between "Reds" and "Whites" after the Civil War.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider context and tone: While "doing his utmost" is generally appropriate, ensure it fits the overall formality of your writing. More casual settings might benefit from alternatives like "trying his hardest".

Common error

Avoid using "doing his utmost" in passive constructions. Instead of saying "Mistakes were doing his utmost to be avoided", opt for active voice: "He was doing his utmost to avoid mistakes".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "doing his utmost" functions as a verbal phrase within a sentence, typically acting as part of the predicate. It indicates the action being performed by a subject, emphasizing the intensity and degree of effort. This is reflected in Ludwig examples where it describes individuals taking proactive steps.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Sport

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

9%

Formal & Business

8%

Books

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "doing his utmost" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe someone making a maximum effort. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage. It's most often found in news and media, and sports contexts, conveying a sense of commitment and determination. While several alternatives exist, such as "trying his hardest" or "making every effort", the choice depends on the desired level of formality and emphasis. When writing, ensure the phrase is used in an active voice to maximize impact. Avoid redundant phrases like "utmost best". Overall, "doing his utmost" is a reliable way to express dedicated effort.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

doing everything possible

This alternative suggests that all available resources and methods are being used.

making every effort

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the actions taken.

trying his hardest

This alternative is more informal and focuses on the effort being made.

giving it his all

This alternative is idiomatic and conveys a sense of complete dedication.

exerting maximum effort

This alternative emphasizes the physical or mental energy being expended.

applying himself fully

This alternative emphasizes focus and dedication to the task.

striving to the best of his ability

This alternative highlights the limits of one's capabilities.

going the extra mile

This alternative implies exceeding expectations or normal effort.

endeavoring to the fullest extent

This alternative is highly formal and emphasizes the commitment to a goal.

putting his best foot forward

This alternative suggests an attempt to make a good impression.

FAQs

What does "doing his utmost" mean?

The phrase "doing his utmost" means making the greatest effort possible. It suggests someone is trying as hard as they can to achieve a particular outcome.

What can I say instead of "doing his utmost"?

You can use alternatives like "trying his hardest", "making every effort", or "doing everything possible" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "did his utmost best"?

While understandable, "did his utmost best" is somewhat redundant. "Utmost" already implies the best possible effort. Sticking to "did his utmost" is more concise and grammatically sound.

How can I use "doing his utmost" in a sentence?

You might say, "He is doing his utmost to ensure the project succeeds" or "The doctor was doing his utmost to save the patient's life". The phrase usually describes a persistent and determined effort.