exert myself

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'exert myself' is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to refer to the action of putting in effort and/or energy towards something. For example: "I will need to exert myself if I want to achieve my goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

And, therefore, we can ask if I am the efficient cause of my exertion to exert myself to do the cartwheel.

SEP

Not that I don't exert myself.

The New York Times - Travel

It'll be an adventure but I won't have to exert myself.

The Guardian - Travel

I have to exert myself and really say, oh God, I've got to see my friends cos I'm too content being by myself.

The Guardian - Film

"I didn't want to exert myself too much, even though I was off the front on my own.

BBC

If I exert myself anything other than walking up the garden I have to have a five minute sit down to take a breath.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Exerting myself, I broke with the cold.

The New York Times

I exerted myself and moved things around and was able then to open the door fully.

The New Yorker

Not that I paid much attention to those closest to me who did dare venture the occasional suggestion about eating a little less, exerting myself a little more.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

One caused my heart to slow significantly, so that if I exerted myself by, for example, walking several paces, my vision would swim (inconvenient, as walking several paces was a big part of my life back then).

The New York Times - Magazine

I wasn't exerting myself at that moment.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "exert myself" when you want to emphasize the personal effort you are making towards achieving a specific goal or task. It conveys a sense of deliberate and conscious effort.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "exert myself" can sound somewhat formal. In casual conversations, consider simpler alternatives like "try hard" or "push myself" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "exert myself" is as a reflexive verb phrase. It signifies the action of applying effort or energy directly to oneself, reflecting a deliberate and conscious action. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Huffington Post

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

The New Yorker

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "exert myself" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression that conveys the idea of applying significant personal effort or energy. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is suitable for a range of contexts, from news and media to academic and scientific writing. While formal, it is versatile enough for everyday use. When choosing alternatives, consider options like "apply myself" or "push myself", depending on the nuance you wish to express. Always aim for clarity and naturalness in your writing. Avoid overuse in casual settings for best results. By following these guidelines, you can effectively and appropriately use "exert myself" in your written and spoken communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

apply myself

Focuses more on directing effort towards a specific task or goal.

push myself

Highlights the act of challenging one's limits and striving for more.

dedicate myself

Emphasizes commitment and devotion to a particular cause or activity.

do my best

Indicates a commitment to performing at one's highest possible level.

give it my all

Expresses the intention of putting in maximum effort and commitment.

try hard

A simpler way to express putting in a significant amount of effort.

work hard

Focuses on the diligent application of effort in one's work.

strain myself

Suggests pushing oneself to a point where it becomes physically or mentally taxing.

strive

A more general term indicating effort and determination in achieving a goal.

endeavor

A more formal term for making an earnest attempt or effort.

FAQs

What does "exert myself" mean?

The phrase "exert myself" means to make a significant effort or put forth a considerable amount of energy to achieve something.

How can I use "exert myself" in a sentence?

You can use "exert myself" to describe a personal effort, such as, "I need to "apply myself" and exert myself to finish this project on time."

What are some alternatives to "exert myself"?

Alternatives include "push myself", "dedicate myself", or "try hard", depending on the context and the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "exert myself" in formal writing?

Yes, "exert myself" is appropriate in formal writing, though consider whether a simpler phrase like "apply myself" might be more effective depending on the overall tone and audience. If you are not sure, consider "work hard" for a more direct way of conveying your purpose.