given its all

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "given its all" is not standard in written English and may be confusing.
It could be used in contexts where you want to express that someone or something has put in maximum effort or commitment. Example: "The team really gave its all during the championship game, leaving everything on the field."

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

When potting medium has given its all, just dig it into the garden soil, including any perlite and vermiculite -- they're natural minerals, so your garden won't lose its organic status.

The New York Times

"This country has given its all".

The New York Times

The seafood soup was rich with coconut milk and chili oil, although the overcooked seafood seemed to have given its all to the gorgeous broth.

The New York Times

Thick scoops of a soft pig's liver pâté with toast and crunchy pickled red cabbage are much, much better; ripe, with the offal depth of an organ that has given its all.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

It can afford to bring in international choreographers, and — paradoxically, given its all-American backing — it has become known for its contemporary European dance.

The New York Times - Arts

Given its all-inclusive name, you'd think that whoever came up with the idea would have a….

The New Yorker

Given its all-inclusive name, you'd think that whoever came up with the idea would have a capacious ego to match.

The New Yorker

Given its all-inclusive name, you'd think that whoever came up with the idea would have a… Americans may disagree about nearly everything, but few contest the idea that owning your home is a good thing.

The New Yorker

Needless to say, the car got a lot of attention, especially given its all-black exterior and high contrast all-white leather cabin styling.

TechCrunch

To counter this anxiety in a somewhat ironic way, for a time Nissan considered giving its all-electric Leaf customers free access to gasoline-powered rentals whenever they needed them (essentially defeating the purpose of having an electric car).

Huffington Post

Speaking of the team's performance on Sunday, he said that the team was ready, but that it did not give its all.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "given its all", ensure the subject is clearly defined and capable of exerting effort or expending resources. For example, "The athlete gave its all during the final sprint" is clear, while "The project gave its all" may be less so.

Common error

Avoid using "given its all" for inanimate objects or abstract concepts that cannot realistically exert effort. Instead of saying "The strategy gave its all", consider "The strategy was implemented with maximum effort."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "given its all" functions as a descriptive phrase, indicating that something or someone has expended maximum effort. According to Ludwig, although not standard, it's used to express maximum effort or commitment.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "given its all" is used to indicate maximum effort or resource expenditure. While Ludwig notes it's not standard written English, it is understandable and functions descriptively. It is most commonly found in news and media contexts, with more formal alternatives like "exerted maximum effort" available for professional settings. When using this phrase, ensure that the subject is capable of exerting effort. Due to its somewhat ambiguous nature, clarity in usage is key.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gave its utmost

Replaces "all" with "utmost" emphasizing the highest possible effort.

put everything into it

Emphasizes the complete investment of effort and energy.

exhausted all resources

Focuses on the depletion of resources as a result of maximum effort.

poured its heart and soul

Emphasizes the emotional investment in the effort.

strained every nerve

Highlights the intensity and potential stress involved in giving maximum effort.

pushed itself to the limit

Focuses on the act of exceeding normal boundaries of effort or endurance.

left no stone unturned

Indicates a thorough and exhaustive effort, covering all possibilities.

did everything humanly possible

Highlights the limits of capability while still implying maximum effort.

maximized its potential

Focuses on achieving the highest possible outcome or performance.

extended itself fully

Highlights the comprehensive application of its capabilities.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "given its all" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "exerted maximum effort", "dedicated its full resources", or "applied itself wholeheartedly". These options provide a similar meaning while maintaining a professional register.

Is it correct to say "gave their all" instead of "given its all"?

While "given its all" is grammatically acceptable, "gave their all" is more common when referring to a team or group of people. "Given its all" is typically used when referring to a singular entity or object.

What does "given its all" mean in the context of a sports game?

In a sports context, "given its all" means that a team or player has made the maximum possible effort, leaving no energy or strategy unspent. It implies a full commitment to winning, even if the outcome is not favorable.

When is it appropriate to use "given its all" in a professional setting?

Using "given its all" is appropriate in situations where you want to emphasize the dedication and hard work put into a project or task. However, consider using more formal alternatives like "exerted maximum effort" or "dedicated its full resources" in highly formal settings.