put in extra hours

USAGE SUMMARY

"put in extra hours" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that someone is spending more time than usual on a task, activity, or job. For example, "I had to put in extra hours this week to finish the project on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

This makes it easier to persuade them to put in extra hours or shoulder new tasks.

The Economist

He vows that he will put in extra hours training to make his right foot more like his left.

The New York Times - Sports

In a sense, if you choose to put in extra hours of unpaid labor, that's nobody's business but yours.

The New York Times

It must approve employee transfers from one job to another, as well as management requests for workers to put in extra hours.

The New York Times

3) Bill will be willing to put in extra hours during this training, so even if you are paying him hourly, these extra hours are not "lost billable hours" since he wouldn't have worked those hours before the training.

The New York Times

PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 12 (AP) — Wal-Mart Storemployees employees to work through rest breaks and to put in extra hours without pay, violating Pennsylvania labor laws, a state jury found Thursday.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

Routinely putting in extra hours at the office can put a strain on your social life.

The New York Times

They were putting in extra hours to get power back before Thanksgiving for as many people as they could, Mr. Walsh said.

The New York Times

Suddenly, Ms. Scanlon was putting in extra hours at the store or driving, as she did one day, to Long Island City, Queens, to pick up pipe insulation material that was slightly cheaper than what was available closer to the store.

The New York Times

In his mid to late 20s at the time, Ling was famous for putting in extra hours with his pupils, inviting them to attend music courses at his house in Reading during the holidays and treating his young stars to meals out and (underage) drinks in the pub.

The Guardian

Ling was known for putting in extra hours with his pupils, inviting them to attend music courses at his house in Reading during the holidays and treating his students to meals out and drinks in the pub even though they were underage.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a specific scenario, use "put in extra hours" to emphasize the additional time and effort someone is dedicating to a task, especially when it's beyond their normal responsibilities.

Common error

Be careful not to use "put in extra hours" when referring to mandated, uncompensated overtime, which can imply exploitation. Instead, clarify whether the additional hours are voluntary or compensated to avoid misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "put in extra hours" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the action of working beyond the regular or expected timeframe. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It is often used to describe efforts to complete tasks or meet deadlines.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "put in extra hours" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe working beyond the standard timeframe. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used in various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Formal & Business settings. The phrase conveys dedication, commitment, and the need to complete tasks or overcome challenges. Related phrases like "work overtime" or "dedicate additional time" offer similar meanings, while it's important to consider the implications of unpaid or mandatory overtime. Remember to frame requests for extra hours respectfully and acknowledge the effort required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

work overtime

Refers specifically to working beyond standard hours, often with additional pay.

extend working time

Formally indicates an increase in the duration of work.

dedicate additional time

Highlights commitment and effort beyond the norm.

spend more time working

A straightforward description of increasing work duration.

labor for longer

Emphasizes the physical effort involved in working extended hours.

work extended shifts

Suggests working longer than the usual shift duration.

increase work hours

Directly states that the number of working hours has been increased.

go the extra mile

Implies exceeding expectations and doing more than is required.

make an extra effort

Focuses on the increased effort put into a task.

double down on work

Suggests intensified effort and commitment to work.

FAQs

What does "put in extra hours" mean?

The phrase "put in extra hours" means to dedicate more time than usual to a job or task, often to complete it or achieve a specific goal.

What are some alternatives to "put in extra hours"?

Some alternatives include "work overtime", "dedicate additional time", or "go the extra mile", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "putting in extra hours"?

Yes, "putting in extra hours" is a grammatically correct and commonly used form of the phrase. For example, "She is putting in extra hours to finish the project."

How can I politely ask someone to "put in extra hours"?

Frame the request by explaining the importance of the task and acknowledging the extra effort required. Offer support and express appreciation for their willingness to "dedicate additional time".