put in the effort

USAGE SUMMARY

"put in the effort" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to working hard or making an effort towards something, usually with the aim of achieving success. For example, "We need to put in the effort if we want to win the tournament."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Gotta put in the effort.

The New York Times

"We haven't put in the effort.

The New York Times - Magazine

"I put in the effort that was commensurate with that".

The Guardian

"Intellect doesn't matter unless you put in the effort".

The New York Times

If we put in the effort, the rewards will come.

The Guardian - Opinion

That optimism is, however, based on the assumption that regulators will put in the effort.

The New York Times

After all, it's the other students who've put in the effort who suffer.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"You can make it work if you are willing to put in the effort.

The Guardian

For those willing to put in the effort, Qubes is more secure than almost any other operating system available today.

The Economist

If the regulators do put in the effort, the answer may be that few banks will bother.

The New York Times

For the music to be meaningful, it is up to the audience to put in the effort.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "put in the effort", consider the context to ensure it aligns with the desired tone. It's suitable for both informal and semi-formal settings, emphasizing the importance of hard work and dedication.

Common error

Avoid shifting tenses when describing the effort. For example, don't mix "put in the effort" (present) with "was trying hard" (past) within the same sentence unless there's a clear reason for the tense change.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "put in the effort" functions as a verb phrase that emphasizes the act of exerting oneself to achieve a specific goal or outcome. It indicates a conscious and deliberate application of energy and resources. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Wiki

31%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

4%

Academia

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "put in the effort" is a common and grammatically correct way to emphasize the importance of hard work and dedication towards achieving a specific goal. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used across various contexts, from news and media to wikis, and even formal business settings. The phrase encourages action and highlights the deliberate application of energy and resources. While versatile, writers should maintain consistent tense and consider alternatives like "make an effort" or "apply oneself" for nuanced expression. Ultimately, "put in the effort" serves as a potent reminder that success often requires consistent and focused exertion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make an effort

This alternative is more general and simply emphasizes the act of trying.

try hard

A simple and direct way of saying that someone is making a significant effort.

apply oneself

This alternative focuses on directing one's energy and attention to a task.

give it your all

Emphasizes giving maximum effort and energy.

exert oneself

This phrase is more formal and emphasizes physical or mental exertion.

work diligently

Focuses on the consistent and careful application of effort.

dedicate oneself

Implies a strong commitment and devotion of time and energy.

make a point of

Highlights the deliberate and intentional nature of the effort.

invest time and energy

Highlights the resources spent to achieve a goal.

go the extra mile

This idiom emphasizes exceeding expectations and doing more than what is required.

FAQs

How can I use "put in the effort" in a sentence?

You can use "put in the effort" to describe someone working hard or making a significant attempt to achieve something. For example, "If we "make an effort", we can finish the project on time."

What are some alternatives to "put in the effort"?

Alternatives include "apply oneself", "exert oneself", or "dedicate oneself". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "put in effort" or "put in the effort"?

"Put in the effort" is generally preferred because it specifies a particular, deliberate exertion. "Put in effort" is less common and can sound slightly awkward.

What's the difference between "put in the effort" and "try hard"?

"Try hard" is a more general expression of attempting something, whereas "put in the effort" implies a sustained and dedicated commitment to a task. "Putting in the effort" often suggests a strategic and consistent approach, while "trying hard" might be a more spontaneous or immediate response.