exerting ourselves

USAGE SUMMARY

"exerting ourselves" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means to put in effort or work physically or mentally. Example: We spent the whole day exerting ourselves at the gym, and we can already feel the soreness kicking in.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 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

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 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

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

Huffington Post

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

We speak of exerting willpower, of forcing ourselves to go to work, of restraining ourselves and of controlling our temper, as if it were an unruly dog.

The New York Times - Books

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

Prosecutors denied exerting undue pressure.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "exerting ourselves" when you want to emphasize a deliberate effort or application of energy, whether physical or mental.

Common error

While grammatically sound, avoid using "exerting ourselves" in extremely casual conversations. Simpler alternatives like "trying our best" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exerting ourselves" functions as a verb phrase, specifically a present participle phrase, indicating an ongoing action or process. It describes the act of applying effort or energy, either physically or mentally. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "exerting ourselves" is a grammatically correct and commonly understood verb phrase used to describe the act of applying effort or energy. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and suggests it is suitable for various contexts, particularly News & Media, Science, and Wiki sources. While the phrase is relatively versatile, it is best used when emphasizing deliberate effort and should be used carefully in extremely informal settings. Consider alternatives like "trying hard" or "making an effort" for simpler communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Applying ourselves

Focuses on dedication and commitment to a task or goal.

Straining ourselves

Emphasizes pushing oneself to the limit, often with potential negative consequences.

Pushing ourselves

Highlights the act of forcing oneself beyond normal limits.

Endeavoring

A more formal term for making an earnest effort.

Striving

Implies a persistent and determined effort to achieve something.

Laboring

Refers to physical effort and hard work.

Working hard

A simple and direct way to express putting in effort.

Putting forth effort

Emphasizes the act of contributing energy to a task.

Making an effort

A general term for trying to do something.

Concentrating our efforts

Emphasizes focus and direction of effort.

FAQs

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

You can use "exerting ourselves" to describe physical or mental effort. For example, "We are "exerting ourselves" to finish the project on time" or "They were "exerting ourselves" to improve our fitness levels".

What is a simpler way to say "exerting ourselves"?

Alternatives to "exerting ourselves" include "trying hard", "putting in effort", or "working diligently", depending on the context.

Is "exerting ourselves" formal or informal?

"Exerting ourselves" is generally considered a neutral to slightly formal phrase. It is suitable for many contexts, but simpler terms might be preferable in very informal settings.

What's the difference between "exerting ourselves" and "pushing ourselves"?

"Exerting ourselves" implies a conscious application of effort. "Pushing ourselves" suggests going beyond normal limits, potentially to a point of discomfort or risk.