try your hardest

USAGE SUMMARY

"try your hardest" is a correct and commonly-used phrase in written English.
It is used to encourage someone to do their best in a task or a situation. For example: "I'm counting on you to try your hardest to finish the job by tomorrow morning."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

You must try your hardest".

The New Yorker

You just try your hardest.

The Guardian - Sport

"You have to try your hardest in committee.

The New York Times

"You try your hardest not to, and kid yourself that it is just another race.

BBC

Really try your hardest.

WikiHow

Try your hardest.

WikiHow

Always try your hardest.

WikiHow

Smile and try your hardest.

WikiHow

Try your hardest at working.

WikiHow

Try your hardest not to procrastinate.

WikiHow

Always try your hardest in the ring.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "try your hardest" with specific goals or actions to provide clearer direction. For example, "Try your hardest to complete the report by Friday."

Common error

Avoid using "try your hardest" as a guarantee of success. It sets unrealistic expectations and can lead to disappointment if the desired result isn't achieved. Instead, frame it as a call to action focused on the effort itself.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "try your hardest" functions primarily as an imperative, urging someone to exert maximum effort. According to Ludwig AI, it is used to encourage someone to do their best. Examples show it used in various contexts, from sports to academic pursuits.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

83%

News & Media

16%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "try your hardest" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to encourage maximum effort. Ludwig AI confirms this, stating its function is to urge someone to do their best. Predominantly found in Wiki and News & Media sources, it carries a neutral tone suitable for various contexts. While alternatives like "do your best" exist, "try your hardest" emphasizes dedication and perseverance, urging individuals to fully commit to their endeavors. Remember to use it to inspire effort, not to guarantee unattainable outcomes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

do your best

This is a very similar and commonly used alternative.

give it your all

This alternative emphasizes the commitment of all available resources.

put your best foot forward

This idiom suggests presenting oneself in the most favorable way, often in a new situation.

exert maximum effort

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

go the extra mile

This idiom refers to doing more than what is expected.

strive for excellence

This suggests aiming for a very high standard of performance.

make every effort

This emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the attempt.

apply yourself diligently

This highlights the importance of careful and persistent effort.

dedicate yourself fully

This alternative focuses on the complete commitment of one's time and energy.

leave no stone unturned

This idiom means to try every possible course of action in order to achieve something.

FAQs

How can I use "try your hardest" in a sentence?

You can use "try your hardest" to encourage someone to make a great effort. For example: "You should "try your hardest to succeed", even if it's difficult".

What can I say instead of "try your hardest"?

You can use alternatives like "do your best", "give it your all", or "put your best foot forward depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "tried your hardest"?

Yes, "tried your hardest" is the past tense form of the phrase, indicating that someone made a maximum effort in the past. It's grammatically correct and commonly used.

What's the difference between "try your hardest" and "try your best"?

While both phrases encourage maximum effort, "try your best" is generally considered slightly more common and versatile. "Try your hardest" can sometimes imply a situation requiring significant effort or overcoming considerable difficulty.