we labored

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we labored" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where a group of people worked hard or put in significant effort towards a task or project. Example: "Throughout the summer, we labored tirelessly to complete the community garden project before the fall."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

So we labored under that fear for a long time.

The New York Times

"All those words that we labored over are now in bubbles over characters' heads.

The New York Times - Books

Disregarding the grumbling sky, we labored up the trail and soon reached the top.

The New York Times - Travel

Trudging around the cattle operation, dutifully reading a helpful pamphlet, we labored to keep our children interested.

The New York Times - Travel

"We labored long and hard on this installation, but viewers should not get a sense of that effort from the finished work," Mr. Nawa said.

The New York Times - Arts

And even under normal circumstances this is never satisfactory: it has to be readily understood the types of difficulties we labored under.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

This makes it sound like some sweatshop where we labor to meet deadlines.

The New York Times - Travel

When we fail, we labor to better understand the constraints, to figure out creative ways to live within them.

The New Yorker

We sell them when we go out in the morning to our jobs and when we labor all the day.

The New Yorker

As journalists we labor under the illusion that we are not players in the stories we write.

The New York Times - Books

We labor in obscurity, we labor in penury, we labor with love, but our objectivity should not be questioned.Luis Ruedas and Rafe Brown Portland, Oregon and Lawrence, Kansas[The writers are biology professors at Portland State and Kansas universities.] I am compelled to point out that this article is essentially a "bait and switch" argument.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider substituting "we labored" with a more descriptive alternative, such as "we toiled" or "we worked diligently", to convey the nuances of the effort more effectively.

Common error

Avoid using "we labored" in overly casual or informal settings, as it can sound overly formal or pretentious. Opt for simpler phrases like "we worked hard" or "we put in the effort" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we labored" functions as a verb phrase indicating a past action performed collectively. As seen in Ludwig, it describes a group's effort and dedication towards a task. It usually introduces a description of the work done and the challenges faced.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Encyclopedias

9%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Science

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we labored" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe a group's dedicated effort towards a task. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its validity and applicability in various contexts. While versatile, "we labored" is most frequently encountered in News & Media, encyclopedias, and wiki. For alternative phrasings, consider "we toiled" or "we worked diligently". Be mindful of the context and choose a phrasing that accurately reflects the intensity and nature of the effort.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we toiled

Implies sustained and arduous work, often in a physical sense. It suggests a more strenuous effort than "we labored".

we worked diligently

Highlights the consistent and careful nature of the work, emphasizing attention to detail and dedication.

we exerted ourselves

Focuses on the physical or mental energy expended, suggesting a conscious effort to push beyond normal limits.

we strove

Suggests a determined effort to achieve a goal, often against obstacles or resistance. It implies ambition and perseverance.

we exerted effort

A more formal and general way to express that effort was applied.

we applied ourselves

Highlights the dedication and commitment of the group to the task at hand. It implies a focused and intentional effort.

we put in the effort

A colloquial expression emphasizing the action of investing time and energy into something.

we dedicated ourselves

Emphasizes the commitment and devotion to a particular task or cause.

we gave our all

Implies the maximum effort and resources were committed, suggesting a sense of completeness and thoroughness.

we devoted our time

Highlights the time spent on the task, stressing its importance and the willingness to invest significant hours.

FAQs

What does "we labored" mean?

The phrase "we labored" means that a group of people worked hard or exerted significant effort towards a particular task or goal. It implies dedication and sustained work over a period of time.

What can I say instead of "we labored"?

You can use alternatives like "we toiled", "we worked diligently", or "we exerted ourselves" depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is "we labored" formal or informal?

"We labored" tends to be more formal than phrases like "we worked hard". Its formality depends on the context, but it's generally suitable for professional or academic writing.

How can I use "we labored" in a sentence?

You can use "we labored" to describe a collective effort towards a specific outcome. For example: "Throughout the summer, we labored to complete the community garden project" or "We labored to mask our sadness and worry during the challenging project phase.