labored intensely

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "labored intensely" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who is working very hard or putting in a lot of effort into a task or activity. Example: "She labored intensely over her research project, determined to meet the deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Over the past year, the ambassador had labored intensely to reach a deal with the Iraqi government to keep a substantial number of troops here.

The New York Times

Darwin was himself a lover of literature (Dickens especially) and labored intensely over the prose of "Origin," especially the metaphors, which he felt were not just gratuitous flourishes, but the most capacious vehicles for his scientific ideas.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Aren't we supposed to labor intensely over the Saturday grid, sweating our way through the cryptically worded clues, setting off in numerous wrong directions, erasing and overwriting, only to land, exhausted but triumphant, on the hard-won completed puzzle?

The New York Times

In response, Chief Orosa said in a statement, "The Miami Police Department welcomes this long-awaited response and looks forward to the opportunity to clarify several components of the letter, as well as to labor intensely to negotiate an agreement with the Department of Justice, as promptly as possible".

The New York Times

Orosa, the Miami police chief, issued a statement saying the MPD "looks forward to the opportunity to clarify several components of the letter, as well as to labor intensely to negotiate an agreement with the Department of Justice, as promptly as possible".

Huffington Post

Yet I am willing to bet my career that Clemens labored more intensely during his playing days than does his former teammate.

The New Yorker

Though at first blush it might sound like chaotic improvisation, the complex arrangement was clearly labored over intensely.

Vice

Now the same medium features guys like Butch and Adam laboring intensely to look more gay.

The New York Times - Arts

Labor-intensive and intensely active, Raqib Shaw's paintings look like X-rated, subaquatic hybrids of Hieronymus Bosch, Victorian fairy painting, Persian miniatures and Bollywood films of the Ramayana.

The New York Times

Beyond the significant benefits for our climate and health, the potential economic benefits may also be substantial because renewable energy technologies are typically more labor-intensive than intensely mechanized fossil fuel technologies.

HuffPost

Its origins are shrouded in a bit of over-the-top romance: wild acorns were gathered in misty mountain forests, intensely labored over using old-fashioned millstones, and provided sustenance for riverside villagers.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "labored intensely" to convey a sense of significant effort and dedication over a period, particularly when describing work that involves both physical and mental exertion.

Common error

Avoid using "labored intensely" in informal settings where a simpler phrase like "worked hard" would be more appropriate. This phrase is better suited for formal or literary writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "labored intensely" functions as a verb phrase, where "labored" is the main verb indicating effortful work, and "intensely" is an adverb modifying the verb to emphasize the degree of effort. As Ludwig AI indicates, it describes someone working very hard.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "labored intensely" is a grammatically correct and usable expression in English, typically employed to describe significant effort and dedication towards a task. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides examples from reliable sources. While the phrase isn't very common, it's suitable for formal or literary contexts. Consider alternatives like "worked diligently" or "strove mightily" depending on the desired nuance. Avoid using "labored intensely" in casual conversations, where simpler phrases are more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

worked diligently

Focuses more on the consistent and careful aspect of work rather than the intensity.

strove mightily

Emphasizes the effort and struggle involved in trying to achieve something.

toiled assiduously

Highlights persistent and attentive effort.

exerted oneself strenuously

Focuses on the physical exertion involved in the work.

applied oneself vigorously

Emphasizes the energetic and enthusiastic application of effort.

poured effort into

Implies a significant investment of energy and focus.

applied oneself earnestly

Highlights the sincerity and seriousness of the effort.

dedicated oneself wholeheartedly

Suggests a complete and enthusiastic commitment.

tried one's best

General expression of attempting to reach a goal, can be used in place of more intense forms of trying.

went all out

Suggests expending all available effort and resources.

FAQs

How can I use "labored intensely" in a sentence?

You can use "labored intensely" to describe someone who has worked very hard. For example: "The ambassador "labored intensely" to secure the deal."

What's a good alternative to "labored intensely"?

Alternatives include "worked diligently", "strove mightily", or "toiled assiduously", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "labored intensely" formal or informal?

"Labored intensely" is generally considered a more formal phrase. In informal contexts, "worked hard" may be more suitable.

What is the difference between "labored intensely" and "worked hard"?

"Labored intensely" implies a more prolonged and strenuous effort than "worked hard". It suggests significant dedication and possibly some difficulty in the task.