we applied ourselves

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we applied ourselves" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that a group of people dedicated their efforts or focus to a task or activity. Example: "In order to meet the project deadline, we applied ourselves fully to the work at hand."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

Although top of the class at most things, if we applied ourselves a bit better, we could be A*.

The Guardian - Sport

The cosseted youth of today may be tiresomely self-obsessed; we, however, didn't lock ourselves in our rooms with headphones clamped to our ears: we applied ourselves instead to saving our parents' marriages.

The Guardian - Film

"We applied ourselves really well.

BBC

I think we applied ourselves a whole lot better".

BBC

"We applied ourselves well and deserved the win.

BBC

Leeds manager Neil Redfearn: "We applied ourselves really well.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

Worries and concerns aside, if all parties are consulted and we apply ourselves without bias to solving the issues then it could be possible to tunnel without doing harm and to bring benefits for everyone.

The Guardian - Opinion

"The most important thing now is we apply ourselves right in a couple of weeks' time.

BBC

"We'll obviously have our tactics, but it's about attitude and how we apply ourselves to the game".

BBC

"We're just making sure we apply ourselves well in this game - that's the key thing".

BBC

"I would like to think, if we have all of our resources available and we apply ourselves properly, we can have a good league campaign," said McGrath.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we applied ourselves" when you want to emphasize the collective effort and dedication of a group towards achieving a specific goal. It conveys a sense of responsibility and commitment.

Common error

Avoid using "we applied ourself" (singular) when referring to a group. The reflexive pronoun should match the plural subject "we", making "ourselves" the correct form.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we applied ourselves" functions as a statement of effort and dedication. It indicates that a group has consciously directed their energy and focus towards a particular task or goal. Ludwig examples confirm its usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we applied ourselves" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that a group has dedicated significant effort to a task. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used across various contexts, particularly in news and media, and to some extent, in formal business and scientific writing. While there are numerous alternatives, such as "we dedicated our efforts" or "we committed our energy", the original phrase effectively conveys a sense of collective commitment and diligence. Pay attention to using the correct plural reflexive pronoun "ourselves" in this phrase to avoid grammatical errors. The context and purpose often guide the most appropriate synonym, ranging from formal expressions of dedication to informal declarations of giving it "our all".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we dedicated our efforts

Replaces "applied ourselves" with a more explicit emphasis on effort, maintaining the focus on dedication.

we committed our energy

Substitutes "applied ourselves" with a focus on the energy invested, highlighting the active involvement.

we devoted our attention

Emphasizes the focus and attention given, rather than the general application of oneself.

we exerted our strength

Highlights the exertion of strength and effort, suitable for situations involving physical or mental challenges.

we gave it our all

An informal way of saying "we tried our best", indicating a complete effort.

we put our backs into it

An idiomatic expression indicating a strong and dedicated effort.

we worked diligently

Focuses on the diligent nature of the work, suggesting careful and consistent effort.

we buckled down

Suggests a serious and determined effort, often after a period of less focused activity.

we made a concerted effort

Highlights the unified and purposeful nature of the effort.

we set our minds to it

Emphasizes the mental focus and determination involved.

FAQs

How can I use "we applied ourselves" in a sentence?

You can use "we applied ourselves" to indicate that a group dedicated their efforts to a task. For example, "To meet the deadline, "we applied ourselves" to the project".

What's a more formal way to say "we applied ourselves"?

In more formal contexts, you could say "we dedicated our efforts" or "we committed our energy" to emphasize a strong sense of dedication.

Is there a difference between "we applied ourselves" and "we applied our efforts"?

"We applied ourselves" implies a general dedication of the group, while "we applied our efforts" specifically highlights the efforts exerted. The first focuses on the collective dedication, the second on the energy spent.

What can I say instead of "we applied ourselves" in an informal context?

In a more informal setting, you could use phrases like "we gave it our all" or "we put our backs into it" to convey the same idea with a less formal tone.