they worked harder

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they worked harder" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation where a group of people put in more effort or exerted more energy in their tasks compared to others. Example: "In the final weeks leading up to the deadline, they worked harder than ever to ensure the project was completed on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

They worked harder.

The New York Times

They worked harder and longer than anyone else".

The New York Times

By contrast, if they felt benign envy they worked harder.

The New Yorker

"I thought they worked harder than we did, I thought they outcompeted us".

The New York Times - Sports

In the next breath, however, the pride was back: "They worked harder than anybody".

The New York Times - Arts

(They didn't do anything about it; they were just nasty). By contrast, if they felt benign envy they worked harder.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

They worked hard.

The New York Times

They worked hard and became well off.

The New York Times - Magazine

They worked hard and prospered.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Alan said they worked hard.

The Guardian - Sport

"They worked hard, lived hard, and boozed hard".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "they worked harder" when you want to emphasize a comparison of effort between two groups or time periods. For instance, "After the new strategy was implemented, they worked harder to meet the increased demands."

Common error

Avoid using "they worked harder" when a different adverb might be more appropriate. For example, instead of saying "They worked harder on the details", consider "They worked more diligently on the details" if you wish to emphasize careful attention.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they worked harder" primarily functions as a statement of comparative effort. It indicates that a group exerted more effort than previously or compared to another group. This is supported by Ludwig AI, which identifies the phrase as grammatically sound and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they worked harder" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to indicate an increase in effort or dedication. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. It's most frequently found in News & Media and Academic contexts and serves to explain outcomes or compare effort levels. When using this phrase, ensure clarity of the pronoun "they" and consider the implications of implying previous efforts were insufficient. Alternatives such as "they exerted themselves more" or "they applied themselves more fully" may be suitable in more formal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they tried harder

A more straightforward and general expression of increased effort.

they put in more effort

Focuses on the exertion of effort rather than just working.

they exerted themselves more

Highlights the physical or mental strain involved.

they were more diligent

Emphasizes careful and persistent effort.

they applied themselves more

Indicates a conscious and focused dedication.

they toiled with greater intensity

Suggests a more laborious and intense effort.

they labored more strenuously

Highlights the arduous nature of the work.

they went the extra mile

Implies exceeding expectations and doing more than required.

they dedicated more time

Focuses on the increased time investment.

they devoted greater energy

Highlights the amount of energy expended.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "they worked harder" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives like "they exerted themselves more", "they demonstrated greater diligence", or "they applied themselves more fully". These options offer a more elevated style than the straightforward "they worked harder".

Is it always clear what "they" refers to when using the phrase "they worked harder"?

Ensure the pronoun "they" has a clear and unambiguous antecedent in your sentence. If the subject is unclear, revise the sentence to specify who is being referred to, for example, "the team members "put in more effort"".

What's the difference between saying "they worked harder" and "they tried harder"?

"They worked harder" suggests a greater level of physical or mental exertion in their tasks. "They "tried harder"" implies an increase in effort and determination, without necessarily indicating more work was completed. The difference lies in the emphasis on action versus intent.

In what situations is it inappropriate to say "they worked harder"?

Avoid using "they worked harder" if it implies that previous efforts were insufficient or if it dismisses other contributing factors to success. For example, saying "they worked harder, so they succeeded" might overlook external circumstances or inherent advantages that also played a role.