put in some work

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "put in some work" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the effort or labor someone is contributing to a task or project. Example: "If you want to succeed in this competition, you need to put in some work and practice regularly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

I still had to put in some work of my own.

The Guardian - Opinion

To have fun on a computer (and it was fun) you had to put in some work.

The New York Times

He kept London hours -- up at 3 a.m., but home by 5 p.m., in time to put in some work building shelves and toy boxes for Zachary's new playroom.

The New York Times

His early-season stumbles have him being skewered in this video, and then, after his first really good game of the season, Bosh appears on camera to bemoan Coach Eric Spoelstra's actually expecting the Big Three to put in some work.

The New York Times - Sports

And that goes further than saying "I'm an advocate for a trans person," you actually have to put in some work.

Huffington Post

Be ready to put in some work.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

It was time to start putting in some work.

The Guardian

The Payoff: The celebrity gets 5% to 10% of wholesale revenues in return for the use of his or her name and putting in some work like department store appearances.

Forbes

Or he might be in Los Angeles, putting in some work on Salva's album.

Vice

This will eventually make your viewers say "He's really putting in some work", and eventually subscribe.

WikiHow

"The club does need money to survive and if it had come out of administration yesterday (Monday) then the Foundation of Hearts was committed to putting in some working capital to see it across the line in any case," he told BBC Radio Scotland.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "put in some work" when you want to emphasize the effort and dedication required to achieve a specific goal or complete a task. For instance, "If you want to master this skill, you need to put in some work." Be clear about what the 'work' entails for best impact.

Common error

Avoid using "put in some work" without clarifying the specific actions or tasks involved. Saying "I'll put in some work" is vague. Instead, specify what you'll do: "I'll put in some work by researching and writing the report."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "put in some work" functions as a verb phrase. It is primarily used to describe the action of exerting effort or dedicating time and energy to a specific task or goal. Ludwig examples confirm its role in indicating active participation and contribution.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Wiki

34%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

6%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "put in some work" is a versatile verb phrase used to emphasize the need for effort and dedication to achieve a goal. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used in English. Its usage spans various contexts, including news, media, and informal conversations, though academic settings may require more formal alternatives. While it's a common expression, being specific about the kind of effort is vital for ensuring clear communication. Related phrases include "exert effort", "apply oneself", and "dedicate time and energy", each bringing a nuanced perspective to the act of working towards success. Knowing how and when to use these alternatives can elevate your writing and communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exert effort

This alternative directly emphasizes the application of effort, removing the mention of "work".

apply oneself

This phrase highlights the act of dedicating oneself to a task, suggesting focused effort.

make an effort

Focuses on the initiation of effort, rather than the continuous action of working.

dedicate time and energy

This alternative emphasizes the commitment of both time and energy resources.

invest time and effort

Highlights the idea of contributing resources (time and effort) with the expectation of a return or outcome.

labor diligently

This option stresses persistent and careful effort, adding a layer of conscientiousness.

toil away

This alternative conveys a sense of prolonged and arduous work.

work assiduously

Implies consistent and meticulous effort, often over a sustained period.

strive

This phrase focuses on the act of making a great effort to achieve something.

put your back into it

This idiom emphasizes physical effort and wholehearted commitment.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "put in some work" to sound more formal?

In a formal context, consider using alternatives such as "exert effort", "apply oneself", or "dedicate time and energy" depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is "put in some work" appropriate for academic writing?

While "put in some work" is understandable, it may be too informal for academic writing. Opt for more formal phrases like "conduct research" or "perform analysis" to maintain a scholarly tone.

What does it mean to "put in some work"?

To "put in some work" means to exert effort, dedicate time, and take action to accomplish a task or achieve a goal. It implies that achieving the desired outcome requires active participation and contribution.

How can I encourage someone to "put in some work" without sounding demanding?

Instead of directly saying "You need to put in some work", try framing it positively: "With a bit more effort, you can definitely achieve this" or "Investing time in this area will yield great results."