hard work and determination

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hard work and determination" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used to describe someone's attitude or approach towards achieving a goal. Example: Maria's success in landing her dream job was a result of her unwavering hard work and determination to overcome any obstacles that came her way.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

("Main ingredients: hard work and determination").

The New York Times

The hard work and determination paid off.

The Guardian - Film

Sports are about sportsmanship and camaraderie, hard work and determination.

The Guardian - Opinion

It's to do with hard work and determination.

The Guardian

The idea that with hard work and determination, anyone could succeed found scant purchase here.

The New York Times

This, she says, is a story of sheer hard work and determination.

The Guardian - Sport

Everyone likes to believe their success is down to their own talent, hard work and determination.

The Guardian - Opinion

"I think rebounding is something that takes a lot of hard work and determination," she said.

The New York Times - Sports

His hard work and determination resulted in the airport that today bears his name.

The New York Times

No one is born a champion, champions are made – through endless hard work and determination.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Many fans really believed in the magic of McGwire, believed he accomplished his feat entirely through hard work and determination.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing success stories, use "hard work and determination" to highlight the key ingredients for achieving goals. For instance, 'Her success was a testament to her "hard work and determination".'

Common error

Don't use "hard work and determination" when the context already implies significant effort. For example, avoid saying 'Through her "hard work and determination", she tirelessly pursued her goals' because 'tirelessly pursued' already suggests considerable effort.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hard work and determination" functions as a compound noun phrase. It typically serves as the subject or object of a sentence, emphasizing the qualities needed to achieve a specific goal. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Huffington Post

14%

BBC

10%

Less common in

Science Magazine

5%

The Guardian

5%

Los Angeles Times

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "hard work and determination" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to emphasize the qualities needed for success. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread usage in various contexts. As evidenced by the numerous examples, it appears most frequently in News & Media sources. While several alternatives exist, such as "dedication and effort" or "perseverance and grit", "hard work and determination" remains a powerful and versatile phrase for highlighting the importance of effort and resolve.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dedication and effort

Focuses on the commitment and exertion involved.

perseverance and grit

Highlights the tenacity and resilience required.

diligence and resolve

Emphasizes careful effort and firm decision-making.

tenacity and commitment

Stresses persistence and dedication to a cause.

assiduousness and drive

Highlights consistent effort and motivation.

industriousness and purposefulness

Focuses on being hardworking and having a clear aim.

striving and dedication

Highlights continuous effort and commitment.

relentless pursuit

Emphasizes the unwavering chase of a goal.

unwavering commitment

Focuses on the steadfast dedication to a cause.

persistent effort

Highlights the ongoing and consistent exertion.

FAQs

How can I use "hard work and determination" in a sentence?

You can use "hard work and determination" to emphasize the effort and resolve someone demonstrates in pursuing a goal. For example, "His success was a direct result of his hard work and determination".

What are some alternatives to "hard work and determination"?

Some alternatives include "dedication and effort", "perseverance and grit", or "diligence and resolve". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "determination and hard work" instead of "hard work and determination"?

While both phrases are grammatically correct, "hard work and determination" is the more common and idiomatic expression. Using "determination and hard work" is acceptable but might sound slightly less natural.

In what contexts is "hard work and determination" most appropriate?

"Hard work and determination" is particularly appropriate when describing achievements that require sustained effort and a strong will to overcome obstacles. It's suitable for describing personal accomplishments, professional success, or overcoming adversity.