going all out

USAGE SUMMARY

'going all out' is a correct and usable expression in written English.
It is usually used to describe an all-out effort, or to describe someone putting everything they have into something. For example: "For her final project, Sarah is going all out and has been working around the clock to complete it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

This means avoiding going "all out" for short bursts.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He had indeed been living life by "going all out".

The New York Times - Sports

"Ken Burns is going all out," Daniel said.

The New Yorker

But before going all out, be sure you have the agility to avoid pedestrians and vehicles.

The New York Times

And sure enough, Senate Republicans are going all out in an attempt to kill that bureau.

The New York Times

Dr. Tanaka said he means doing things like regular interval training, repeatedly going all out, easing up, then going all out again.

The New York Times - Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

The Cowboys are going all-out to end the preseason.

The New York Times - Sports

This year, he has been going all-out.

The New York Times - Sports

Once, going all-out, he built and launched a ship in less than five.

The New York Times

There are signs that the Vietnamese are going all-out for a victory in Cambodia.

The New Yorker

Britain is going all-out for shale gas (and nuclear), being a laggard in renewables.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "going all out" when you want to emphasize a complete and unrestrained effort towards a specific goal. This phrase is effective in conveying enthusiasm and commitment.

Common error

While "going all out" is a vivid expression, overuse can diminish its impact. Vary your language with synonyms like "giving it your all" or "pulling out all the stops" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "going all out" functions as a verb phrase, typically used as part of a verb construction. Ludwig AI suggests that it describes an all-out effort, or someone putting everything they have into something. It emphasizes the intensity and completeness of the action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Wiki

13%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

8%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "going all out" is a very common and generally acceptable expression used to describe making a maximum effort to achieve a goal. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English, noting it's used to describe an all-out effort. While versatile, it leans toward the informal side, suggesting more polished alternatives in certain formal settings. Frequently found in news and media, the expression vividly illustrates commitment and enthusiasm, and synonyms like "giving it your all" and "pulling out all the stops" can provide variety in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

giving it your all

Focuses on the personal effort invested.

pulling out all the stops

Implies using every available resource or method.

leaving no stone unturned

Suggests a thorough and exhaustive approach.

doing everything possible

Highlights the breadth of actions taken.

exerting maximum effort

Emphasizes the physical or mental energy expended.

striving for excellence

Focuses on the pursuit of high standards.

putting your heart and soul into it

Emphasizes passion and dedication.

making a supreme effort

Highlights the exceptional nature of the attempt.

going the extra mile

Suggests exceeding expectations and usual efforts.

giving 110 percent

Implies exceeding the maximum possible effort.

FAQs

How can I use "going all out" in a sentence?

You can use "going all out" to describe someone putting forth maximum effort, such as, "The team is "going all out" to win the championship."

What does "going all out" mean?

"Going all out" means to make a maximum effort or to use all available resources to achieve something. It implies a complete and unrestrained commitment.

What are some alternatives to "going all out"?

Alternatives to "going all out" include "giving it your all", "pulling out all the stops", or "leaving no stone unturned". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "going all out" in formal writing?

While "going all out" is widely understood, it leans towards the informal side. In formal writing, consider more professional alternatives like "exerting maximum effort" or "striving for excellence".