doing your utmost

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "doing your utmost" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express the idea of making the greatest effort possible in a given situation. Example: "In this challenging project, I expect everyone to be doing their utmost to meet the deadlines."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 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

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 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

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

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

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "doing your utmost" when you want to emphasize a strong commitment to achieving a goal or fulfilling a responsibility. It conveys a sense of dedication and maximum effort.

Common error

While "doing your utmost" is a valid phrase, avoid using it too frequently in casual conversations or informal writing, as it can sound overly formal or stilted. Simpler alternatives like "trying your best" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "doing your utmost" functions as a verbal phrase indicating action. It conveys the idea of making the greatest possible effort or trying one's hardest. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is considered correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "doing your utmost" is a grammatically sound expression used to convey maximum effort and dedication. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate for written English. While not overly common, it appears in reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian. Its formality level is generally neutral to formal, making it suitable for professional contexts. When using the phrase, remember its emphasis on commitment and consider simpler alternatives for casual settings. Replace it with "giving it your all" or "trying your hardest" where appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

giving it your all

This alternative emphasizes complete dedication and effort.

trying your hardest

This alternative focuses on the intensity of the effort being made.

exerting maximum effort

This alternative highlights the physical or mental energy expended.

striving to the fullest

This alternative suggests ambition and a desire to achieve the best possible outcome.

going above and beyond

This alternative implies exceeding expectations and putting in extra effort.

applying oneself fully

This alternative emphasizes dedication and focus on the task at hand.

putting your best foot forward

This alternative suggests presenting oneself in the most favorable way possible.

giving your best shot

This alternative suggests making a sincere attempt, even if the outcome is uncertain.

making every effort

This alternative focuses on the consistent application of effort.

performing at your peak

This alternative implies functioning at the highest level of capability.

FAQs

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

You can use "doing your utmost" to describe someone making the greatest effort possible in a given situation. For example, "In this challenging project, I expect everyone to be "doing their utmost" to meet the deadlines."

What are some alternatives to "doing your utmost"?

You can use alternatives like "giving it your all", "trying your hardest", or "exerting maximum effort" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "doing your utmost"?

It is appropriate to use "doing your utmost" in formal or professional settings where you want to emphasize the importance of making a strong effort. However, in more casual contexts, simpler phrases might be more suitable.

What is the difference between "doing your utmost" and "trying your best"?

"Doing your utmost" implies a more significant commitment and effort than "trying your best". While both phrases express effort, "doing your utmost" suggests a higher level of dedication and a stronger sense of responsibility.