put in more effort

USAGE SUMMARY

"put in more effort" is a grammatically correct phrase and can be used in written English.
You can use it to encourage someone to work harder or to describe someone's level of effort. Example: "I appreciate your work, but we need to put in more effort if we want to meet our goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

Some have done not much more than elongate their comedy-club material, but Colin Quinn, in his "LONG STORY SHORT," put in more effort, centering his material on a theme.

The New York Times - Arts

"He could not put in more effort," Di Stéfano wrote.

The New York Times - Sports

What does it really mean to "put in more effort"?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Some schools have to put in more effort because of their catchment area.

The Guardian

"I think they put in more effort than public school teachers and they get paid less".

The New York Times

"I waited until there was a little flat and put in more effort and I was happy to pull away from them".

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

"He's putting in more effort to speak than he ever did".

The New York Times

My friend's begun rapidly expanding his collection - he's probably putting in more effort than is strictly right.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He added: "Women have to do twice as much as men to be considered half as good, which also means putting in more effort to promote themselves".

The New York Times

But they say Labour is putting in more effort since last week's Euro results.

BBC

I asked him why did he think it was better and he said it was actually because he was putting in more effort than before.

Fields Mathematics Education Journal

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When encouraging someone to "put in more effort", be specific about the areas needing improvement to ensure targeted action.

Common error

Instead of just telling someone to "put in more effort", provide actionable steps and clear expectations. Vague encouragement can be demotivating.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "put in more effort" functions as a directive or an encouragement. Ludwig examples show it is used to suggest increased dedication or exertion towards a specific goal or task. It is a common way to express the need for greater commitment.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "put in more effort" is a grammatically sound phrase commonly used to encourage greater dedication or exertion. As Ludwig AI confirms, this expression is widely applicable and understood. It is frequently encountered in news and media, scientific discussions, and general advice contexts. When using this phrase, it's beneficial to provide specific guidance to maximize its effectiveness. Remember that while it's good to motivate with "put in more effort", doing so with context and support makes the phrase much more useful.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

try harder

A simpler and more direct way of saying "put in more effort".

make a greater effort

Emphasizes the magnitude of the attempt made.

work harder

Implies increasing the amount of work done.

increase one's efforts

Highlights the act of making one's endeavors greater.

exert oneself more

Focuses on the act of applying oneself with greater intensity.

be more diligent

Focuses on being more thorough and careful in one's work.

dedicate more energy

Emphasizes the commitment of energy resources.

strive more

Focuses on the act of trying hard to achieve something.

devote more attention

Highlights the allocation of more focus and care.

apply oneself more diligently

Focuses on applying oneself in a more careful and persevering manner.

FAQs

How can I encourage someone to "put in more effort" without being discouraging?

Frame it positively by highlighting their strengths and suggesting specific areas for improvement. Offer support and resources to help them succeed, focusing on growth rather than criticism.

What does it mean to "put in more effort" in a relationship?

It means actively engaging in the relationship by spending quality time together, communicating openly, and showing appreciation for your partner. It can also involve going the extra mile to support their needs and interests.

Is there a difference between "try harder" and "put in more effort"?

While both phrases convey the idea of increased exertion, "put in more effort" often implies a more sustained and strategic approach, whereas "try harder" can be interpreted as simply repeating the same actions with more intensity.

When is it appropriate to tell someone to "put in more effort"?

It's appropriate when you observe a discrepancy between their potential and their current performance, and when you have a supportive relationship that allows for constructive feedback. Avoid using the phrase when someone is already struggling with significant challenges.