doing the very best

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "doing the very best" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express the idea of making the utmost effort or striving for excellence in a particular task or situation. Example: "In every project, I am committed to doing the very best to ensure success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

"We have a dedication to doing the very best for our shareholders".

The New York Times

But don't just address concerns to school leaders – they are doing the very best they can in a difficult situation.

The Guardian

It honours individuals who give rather than take; the great Britons doing the very best work who go largely unnoticed and unrewarded.

Independent

Chris Keates, general secretary of the NASUWT, one of the largest teachers' unions, describes teaching as "a career for those who are committed to doing the very best for young people, supporting them to achieve their full potential".

Independent

I'm doing the very best that I can," said Ms. Simpson, 74, who said that on warm days she ran her water heater for just one hour each morning and one hour each evening.

The New York Times

But I certainly won't be falling into the complacency trap, and there are a number of issues that I want to address as soon as possible to ensure that we're doing the very best job we can for our customers.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

Nobody – no one– everyone did the very best they could.

Independent

But everyone should always do the very best they can.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"Within the constraints that they have, they've done the very best that they can".

The New York Times

Watching the crumbs fall, I wanted to do the very best I could for her.

The New Yorker

So he's going to do the very best job he can.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enhance clarity, consider specifying the area or activity in which the best effort is being applied. For instance, "doing the very best in customer service".

Common error

While effective, overuse of "doing the very best" can sound repetitive. Vary your language with synonyms like "striving for excellence" or "giving it your all" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "doing the very best" functions as a verbal phrase that typically follows an auxiliary verb (e.g., "is doing", "are doing", "will be doing"). As shown by Ludwig, it emphasizes the action of exerting maximum effort or striving for excellence.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Huffington Post

20%

The Guardian

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "doing the very best" is a commonly used verbal phrase that conveys a strong commitment to exerting maximum effort and achieving excellent results. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and versatility. Its neutral register allows its use in diverse contexts, from news reports to professional communications. While overuse should be avoided by using alternatives like "striving for excellence" or "giving it your all", the phrase remains a powerful way to express dedication and inspire confidence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Giving it your all

Emphasizes maximum effort and dedication.

Striving for excellence

Focuses on the pursuit of high quality and perfection.

Going above and beyond

Highlights exceeding expectations and standard requirements.

Making every effort

Highlights intentional and considerable attempts.

Maximizing potential

Implies fully developing and utilizing one's capabilities.

Putting your best foot forward

Suggests presenting oneself in the most favorable way from the start.

Performing at peak capacity

Focuses on achieving the highest level of operational effectiveness.

Operating at full throttle

Indicates engaging with maximum speed and energy.

Pulling out all the stops

Implies using every available resource and method to succeed.

Exerting maximum effort

Underlines the application of considerable energy and resources.

FAQs

How can I use "doing the very best" in a sentence?

You can use "doing the very best" to express commitment to maximum effort, as in "We are committed to "doing the very best" for our clients".

What are some alternatives to "doing the very best"?

Alternatives include "striving for excellence", "giving it your all", or "going above and beyond", each implying a similar commitment to high performance.

Is "doing the very best" formal or informal?

"Doing the very best" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the surrounding language and situation.

What does it mean to say someone is "doing the very best"?

It means they are making a sincere and dedicated effort to achieve the highest possible standard in whatever they are undertaking. It implies commitment and hard work.