put in the work

USAGE SUMMARY

The expression "put in the work" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to express the idea that one needs to put in effort and hard work in order to achieve their goals. For example, "If you want to be successful, you have to put in the work and put in the hours."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"I put in the work.

The New York Times

"She put in the work, too.

Independent

I just put in the work.

The Guardian - Sport

He just put in the work".

The New York Times

He'll put in the work to do that".

The New York Times - Sports

So you've got to really put in the work".

The Guardian

He changed his diet, put in the work.

The New York Times

They know if you put in the work, you'll see payoff".

The New York Times - Sports

We will put in the work and he will put his stamp on it".

Independent

But situations like today make it all worthwhile to put in the work, the effort".

The New York Times - Sports

"But when you put in the work and achieve a new dream, you feel re-energized.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "put in the work" when you want to emphasize the importance of consistent effort and dedication to achieve a specific goal. It's especially effective when highlighting that success is earned through hard work, not just luck or talent.

Common error

Avoid using "put in the work" when referring to tasks that require minimal effort or are already inherently easy. It's best suited for situations where significant dedication and perseverance are necessary.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "put in the work" functions as an idiomatic verb phrase. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage. It emphasizes the action of applying effort and dedication to achieve a particular goal, as illustrated in many of Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Wiki

9%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Science

3%

Reference

3%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the idiomatic phrase "put in the work" signifies the dedication of consistent effort towards achieving a goal. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and frequently used, especially in News & Media. While versatile, it's best suited for contexts emphasizing the importance of hard work and perseverance. Consider alternatives like "exert effort" or "dedicate time and energy" for more formal settings. Remember, success often requires that you "put in the work".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

work hard

A more direct and simple expression of effort, less idiomatic.

exert effort

Focuses on the action of applying effort, less idiomatic.

dedicate time and energy

Highlights the commitment of both time and energy, more formal.

invest effort

Implies a return on the effort invested, similar to a financial investment.

apply oneself

Emphasizes focusing one's abilities and attention, more formal and less common.

go the extra mile

Suggests exceeding expectations through additional effort, implies exceeding typical effort.

make an effort

A more general term for trying, lacks the intensity of sustained work.

plow away

Suggests diligently working at something until you have completed it.

burn the midnight oil

Highlights working late into the night, emphasizing long hours.

sweat equity

Suggests effort put into something without immediate financial compensation.

FAQs

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

You can use "put in the work" to emphasize the effort required to achieve a goal. For example, "If you "want to succeed", you have to "put in the work"".

What's a good alternative to "put in the work"?

Alternatives include "exert effort", "dedicate time and energy", or simply "work hard".

Is "put in work" grammatically correct instead of "put in the work"?

While "put in work" is understandable, "put in the work" is the idiomatic and grammatically preferred expression. The definite article "the" specifies the effort required for a particular task or goal.

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

To "put in the work" means to dedicate consistent effort and hard work towards achieving a specific goal. It implies a commitment to diligence and perseverance.