going the extra mile

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "going the extra mile" is correct and usable in written English.
It refers to going above and beyond what is expected or required of you, and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. For example: "We're proud of our employees' dedication to their work - they always go the extra mile."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

Worth going the extra mile for.

The Guardian - Travel

We love our clients by going the extra mile.

The New York Times

Leadership, in my opinion, is built by going the extra mile.

The Economist

Obese people may have found a good excuse for not going the extra mile.

Independent

And it's about treating those customers like family and going the extra mile for them.

The New York Times

To the Editor: Regarding "Going the Extra Mile for the Exotic" (Feb.

The New York Times - Travel

The look of pride on his face makes going the extra mile really pay off.

The Guardian

"We're going the extra mile to make it a high-end community".

The New York Times

First, what would be gained by going the extra mile for 1.5?

The Guardian

That really is going the extra mile and well worthy of comment.

The Guardian - Money

People tell stories about what they did that promoted teamwork or helped a client by going the extra mile.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "going the extra mile" to highlight dedication, commitment, and a proactive approach. It's best applied when describing efforts that significantly contribute to a positive outcome or benefit.

Common error

Avoid using "going the extra mile" when describing routine tasks or basic requirements. Overusing this phrase can diminish its impact and make it seem insincere. Save it for truly exceptional efforts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "going the extra mile" functions as an idiomatic expression used to describe the act of exceeding expectations or putting in more effort than is strictly required. It's often used to highlight dedication and commitment. Ludwig's examples show its usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Formal & Business

25%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Reference

5%

Science

5%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The idiom "going the extra mile" signifies exceeding expectations and demonstrating exceptional effort. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Formal & Business settings. While alternatives like "going above and beyond" exist, "going the extra mile" effectively communicates dedication and a proactive approach. Remember to use this phrase when describing truly outstanding effort, avoiding overuse in routine situations. By understanding its nuances and usage patterns, you can effectively incorporate "going the extra mile" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

going above and beyond

Implies exceeding what is expected or required, similar to "going the extra mile" but focuses on exceeding a defined limit.

putting in extra effort

Highlights the additional work invested, similar to "going the extra mile" but more literal.

exceeding expectations

Focuses on surpassing what was anticipated, like "going the extra mile" emphasizing the positive outcome.

doing more than is required

Similar to "going the extra mile" this indicates surpassing the basic requirements.

making a special effort

Indicates a deliberate attempt to do more, similar to "going the extra mile" focusing on the intentionality.

giving it your all

Suggests complete dedication and effort, similar to "going the extra mile" emphasizing full commitment.

bending over backwards

Implies making extreme efforts, like "going the extra mile" but with a hint of potential overexertion.

striving for excellence

Focuses on achieving a high standard, similar to "going the extra mile" suggesting a commitment to quality.

taking it to the next level

Suggests improving or enhancing something, similar to "going the extra mile" indicating progress and advancement.

going the distance

Emphasizes perseverance and completing a task, related to "going the extra mile" in terms of commitment.

FAQs

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

You can use "going the extra mile" to describe efforts that exceed expectations, like "Our team is known for "going the extra mile" to ensure customer satisfaction".

What are some alternatives to "going the extra mile"?

Alternatives include "going above and beyond", "putting in extra effort", or "exceeding expectations" depending on the specific context.

Is "going the extra mile" appropriate for formal writing?

While "going the extra mile" is widely understood, consider using more formal alternatives like "exceeding expectations" or "making a special effort" in highly formal contexts to maintain a professional tone.

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

To "go the extra mile" means to put in more effort than is strictly necessary, especially in order to improve the outcome or ensure someone's satisfaction. It implies dedication and a willingness to exceed expectations.