sheer hard work

USAGE SUMMARY

"sheer hard work" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who has worked extremely hard or accomplished something through a lot of hard work. For example: "Her success in the competition was the result of sheer hard work and dedication."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It also took sheer hard work.

Independent

It's just down to sheer hard work.

The Guardian - Sport

"Not your innate talent, ingenuity and sheer hard work.

The Guardian

It's the sheer hard work in having them.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The sheer hard work of clandestine document photography is daunting, even these days.

The New Yorker

Her sheer hard work means that she is a wonderful artist to work with.

Independent

By sheer hard work Philip tried to overcome the defects of this system.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This, she says, is a story of sheer hard work and determination.

The Guardian - Sport

Jiang said China's swimming team had made breakthroughs due to scientific training and sheer hard work.

The Guardian - Sport

His sheer hard work, great determination and the effort he puts into it".

The Guardian - Sport

The Hansons' runners compete, Kevin Hanson said, by dint of sheer hard work.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sheer hard work" to emphasize that success or achievement was primarily due to effort rather than luck or talent.

Common error

While "sheer hard work" highlights effort, remember to also acknowledge other contributing factors like strategy, talent, or resources when applicable. Acknowledging other factors provides a more balanced and credible perspective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sheer hard work" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes the concept of intense effort as a key factor in achieving a result, as Ludwig examples show.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sheer hard work" is a grammatically correct and very common phrase used to emphasize the critical role of effort and dedication in achieving success. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, showing its prevalence in News & Media sources, Encyclopedias and Wiki, denoting a neutral register. When using the phrase, remember that while it highlights the importance of effort, a balanced perspective should also acknowledge any additional contributing factors. Consider alternatives like "intense effort" or "diligent work" to fine-tune your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dedicated effort

Stresses the commitment and focus applied.

determined effort

Highlights the resolute and purposeful nature of the work.

diligent work

Highlights the consistent and careful nature of the work.

persistent effort

Highlights the continuous and unwavering application of effort.

tireless effort

Focuses on the continuous and persistent nature of the work.

relentless effort

Emphasizes the unyielding and determined nature of the work.

intense effort

Emphasizes the level of exertion involved.

assiduous work

Focuses on the careful and attentive nature of the work.

intensive work

Emphasizes the concentrated and focused nature of the work.

strenuous work

Indicates the demanding and challenging nature of the work.

FAQs

How can I use "sheer hard work" in a sentence?

You can use "sheer hard work" to emphasize that someone's success is primarily due to their effort and dedication. For example, "Her success was a result of "sheer hard work" and perseverance."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "sheer hard work"?

Alternatives include "intense effort", "diligent work", or "tireless effort", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "sheer hard working"?

No, "sheer hard working" is not standard English. The correct phrase is "sheer hard work", where "hard" functions as an adjective describing the noun "work".

What's the difference between "sheer hard work" and "talent"?

"Sheer hard work" refers to the effort and dedication someone puts into achieving a goal. "Talent", on the other hand, is a natural aptitude or skill. While talent can help, "sheer hard work" suggests that effort was the primary driver of success.