in earnest

USAGE SUMMARY

"in earnest" is a perfectly usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something is being done honestly and seriously. For example, "He had always wanted to be a writer, so he took up the challenge in earnest."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

chants started in earnest.

The New York Times - Sports

The protests began in earnest.

The New York Times

Grape Strike, began in earnest.

The New Yorker

Let battle commence in earnest.

The Economist

And construction began in earnest.

The New York Times

We worked in earnest.

The New York Times

He is in earnest.

The New York Times

Sometimes Mao is quoted in earnest.

The New Yorker

The trail began in earnest here.

The New York Times - Travel

were in earnest about ending the war.

The New Yorker

His metamorphosis had begun in earnest.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in earnest" to emphasize that an action is being undertaken with genuine intent and a high level of commitment, especially after a period of preparation or initial hesitation. It adds weight and seriousness to the description.

Common error

Avoid using "in earnest" in extremely informal or casual contexts. While versatile, it carries a degree of formality that can sound out of place in very relaxed conversations or writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in earnest" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs or clauses to indicate the manner in which an action is performed. Ludwig examples show it describes the sincerity and seriousness behind the action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

13%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "in earnest" is a commonly used adverbial phrase that signifies sincerity and serious commitment to an action. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and provides numerous examples demonstrating its use across varied contexts, particularly in news and media. While versatile, it's best suited for neutral to formal settings, adding emphasis to the genuine intent behind an endeavor. Related phrases such as "sincerely" or "seriously" can be used as alternatives, depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sincerely

Focuses on the honesty and genuineness of the action, omitting the sense of determined effort.

in all seriousness

Adds emphasis to the honest nature of the matter but is slightly more verbose.

seriously

Highlights the grave or important nature of the action, rather than the dedication behind it.

genuinely

Highlights the authenticity of the action, but misses the aspect of dedicated effort.

wholeheartedly

Emphasizes the completeness of dedication and enthusiasm, which might not always be present in "in earnest".

with determination

Stresses the resolve and firmness of purpose, shifting the focus from sincerity to willpower.

with commitment

Highlights dedication and investment in the task, potentially lacking the urgency implied by "in earnest".

with great intent

Emphasizes purpose and focus, but can sometimes sound more deliberate or planned than "in earnest".

with zeal

Focuses on passionate enthusiasm, which may not always align with the serious intent of "in earnest".

in good faith

Implies honesty and sincerity but often relates more specifically to agreements or dealings.

FAQs

How can I use "in earnest" in a sentence?

Use "in earnest" to indicate that something is being done with sincerity and serious effort. For example, "After several delays, the project began "in earnest"".

What are some alternatives to "in earnest"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "sincerely", "seriously", or "wholeheartedly" instead of "in earnest".

Is it correct to say "begin in earnest"?

Yes, "begin in earnest" is a common and correct usage, indicating that something is starting with serious intent and effort.

What's the difference between "in earnest" and "earnestly"?

"In earnest" is an adverbial phrase that modifies a verb, whereas "earnestly" is an adverb. Both convey sincerity, but "in earnest" often implies a more significant or impactful commitment. For example, "He spoke earnestly" versus "He began the project "in earnest"".