exert ourselves

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exert ourselves" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the effort or energy one puts into a task or activity. Example: "In order to achieve our goals, we must be willing to exert ourselves beyond our comfort zones."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

We need to exert ourselves and read Shakespeare as strenuously as we can, while knowing that his plays will read us more energetically still".

The Guardian - Books

For the vast majority of our evolutionary history, we've had to exert ourselves -- often quite strenuously -- to get food, find shelter and simply survive.

Huffington Post

Let it just be that way; let us have contradictions [ 15 ]. when we refer to a journey�� On the one hand we are talking about nonbeing, no world, nonexistence; and on the other hand we are discussing the process of the path, how we could proceed along a path and exert ourselves… If we split hairs in that way, there is no truth anywhere, none whatsoever.

BioMed Research International

Trungpa discusses this issue as a journey without goal, stating that when we refer to a journey… On the one hand we are talking about nonbeing, no world, nonexistence; and on the other hand we are discussing the process of the path, how we could proceed along a path and exert ourselves… If we split hairs in that way, there is no truth anywhere, none whatsoever.

BioMed Research International

- Our second biggest devil is that we exert ourselves in serving others to the extent that we are exhausted beyond repair.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

This makes up about 75% of our total energy expenditure, with the rest being used up by actually moving around and exerting ourselves.

The Guardian

But isn't that what the Internet is all about: exerting ourselves through sustained hard thinking, ignoring all distractions, in order to make extremely difficult choices? (Have you watched Google's Freddie Mercury tribute yet, by the way? It's amazing.

The New York Times

Failing that, we were exerted ourselves to prove that it's possible to get good grub for less.

Huffington Post

If not, then I didn't do the cartwheel freely; if so, then we will find ourselves having to ask about the efficient cause of the exertion to exert my power to exert.

SEP

We can't just exert self-control by willing ourselves to resist the first marshmallow or averting our eyes from it; we have to be grateful that someone's offering it to us in the first place.

Huffington Post

"It is very difficult for us to exert that leadership unless we are showing ourselves willing to deal with our own nuclear stockpiles in a more rational way".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "exert ourselves" when you want to emphasize a deliberate and significant application of effort, especially when it involves personal commitment or overcoming challenges.

Common error

Avoid using "exert ourselves" in casual conversation or informal writing. Simpler phrases like "try hard" or "make an effort" are usually more appropriate in those settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exert ourselves" functions as a reflexive verb phrase, where the action of exerting effort is directed back onto the subject. As Ludwig AI underlines, it signifies a conscious and deliberate application of one's energy and resources.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "exert ourselves" is a grammatically correct and usable reflexive verb phrase that denotes a deliberate and significant application of effort. As highlighted by Ludwig, the phrase typically appears in neutral to formal contexts, particularly in news, science, and self-help content. While "exert ourselves" effectively conveys a commitment to expending energy, it's important to be mindful of the register and consider alternatives like "make an effort" or "apply oneself" for more informal situations. By understanding its nuances and usage patterns, writers can effectively employ "exert ourselves" to convey intention, commitment, and proactive engagement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

put forth effort

Focuses on the action of applying effort, rather than the reflexive nature of the original phrase.

make an effort

A more common and general way to express the act of trying.

strive

Implies a sustained and determined effort towards a goal.

endeavor

A more formal synonym for 'strive', suggesting a serious or important undertaking.

apply oneself

Emphasizes focusing one's attention and energy on a particular task.

dedicate ourselves

Suggests committing oneself fully to a cause or purpose.

stretch ourselves

Implies pushing beyond one's current limits or capabilities.

try our best

A more colloquial way of saying to make a serious effort.

do our utmost

Emphasizes giving the highest possible effort.

push ourselves

Suggests forcing oneself to work harder or longer.

FAQs

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

The phrase "exert ourselves" is used when referring to the act of applying a significant amount of effort or energy. For example, "We must exert ourselves to meet the project deadline."

What can I say instead of "exert ourselves"?

You can use alternatives like "put forth effort", "make an effort", or "apply oneself" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "exert ourselves" or "try hard"?

"Exert ourselves" implies a more significant and deliberate effort than "try hard". Use "exert ourselves" when emphasizing a substantial commitment or overcoming challenges, otherwise "try hard" is appropriate.

What is the difference between "exert ourselves" and "push ourselves"?

"Exert ourselves" suggests a focused and intentional application of energy, while "push ourselves" implies exceeding normal limits or enduring hardship. The nuance depends on whether the context is about effort or endurance.