extra mile

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "go the extra mile" is correct and usable in written English.
It is an idiomatic expression that means to go beyond the call of duty, to put forth greater effort, or to exceed expectations. Example: He put in a lot of extra effort on the project, even going the extra mile to make sure it was done correctly.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That extra mile again.

The Guardian - Music

Worth going the extra mile for.

The Guardian - Travel

You have to go the extra mile".

The New York Times

They will go the extra mile.

The Guardian - Music

They will go that extra mile.

The New York Times

Some businesses go the extra mile.

The New York Times

She would go beyond the extra mile".

The Guardian

Very often, the extra mile is subterranean.

The New York Times

There are no traffic jams on the extra mile.

The New York Times

Professor El-Gabry loves to help students go that extra mile.

Princeton University

Thomson would also go the extra mile for a fan.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing specific actions, consider providing concrete examples of how someone went the "extra mile" to enhance the impact of your message.

Common error

Don't just say someone went the "extra mile"; explain how they did it. Vague statements lack impact. Specific examples demonstrate true dedication and provide more meaningful recognition.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "extra mile" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often used as the object of a verb (e.g., "go the extra mile"). As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a common idiom. Examples from Ludwig show it modifying actions and intentions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "extra mile" is a grammatically sound and very common idiom used to describe exceeding expectations or putting in additional effort. As verified by Ludwig AI, it is appropriate for various contexts, especially in news and media, academic, and formal business settings. To enhance its impact, provide specific examples of how someone went the "extra mile". Remember, using strong alternatives like "go above and beyond" or "exceed expectations" can add nuance to your writing, and detailing the actions taken adds depth and clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

go above and beyond

Emphasizes exceeding expectations by a significant margin.

put in extra effort

Focuses on the additional work invested.

exceed expectations

Highlights surpassing what was anticipated.

go the distance

Implies perseverance and completing a challenging task thoroughly.

make an extra effort

Similar to putting in extra effort but with more emphasis on making the effort.

do more than is required

Highlights exceeding the basic requirements.

take the initiative

Focuses on proactively going beyond what is expected.

rise to the occasion

Implies successfully meeting an unexpected challenge.

step up

Indicates taking on more responsibility or effort.

go out of one's way

Suggests making a special effort, often inconveniencing oneself.

FAQs

How can I use "extra mile" in a sentence?

You can use "extra mile" to describe someone exceeding expectations, such as, "She went the "extra mile" to ensure the project's success."

What does it mean to go the "extra mile"?

Going the "extra mile" means to do more than is expected or required, demonstrating exceptional effort and dedication.

What can I say instead of going the "extra mile"?

You can use alternatives like "go above and beyond", "exceed expectations", or "put in extra effort" depending on the specific context.

Is it always good to go the "extra mile"?

While going the "extra mile" is generally positive, it's essential to ensure it aligns with your goals and doesn't lead to burnout or neglect of other important responsibilities.