we toiled on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we toiled on" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a continuous effort or hard work over a period of time, often in a challenging context. Example: "Despite the difficulties we faced, we toiled on, determined to complete the project by the deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Then on foot, we toiled on for 15 minutes in the late summer heat across the valley of death itself.

The Guardian - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Some 800,000 non-essential staff at federal agencies (out of 2.8m) are being sent home, while another 1.3m are being asked to toil on without pay (see article).

The Economist

"We had a good day, all in all - we toiled away on a really placid pitch".

BBC

Titled "One Today," the poem describes a country under "one sun" and "one light," where people toil on "one ground, our ground".

The New York Times

He toiled on.

The New York Times

Outside, an overdressed New York citizenry toiled on.

The New York Times

Geisel has toiled on many advertising campaigns over the years.

The New Yorker

He might have toiled on a "grander" book, let's say a slablike "Augie March".

The New York Times

That is what he toiled on, mostly in Cambridge, until his death, in 1951.

The New Yorker

They have been courting Fontenot for weeks while he toiled on the Kansas City Chiefs' practice squad.

The New York Times - Sports

Most men toiled on local estates as gardeners, coachmen, carpenters and all-around laborers.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we toiled on" when you want to emphasize the continuous and arduous nature of the work undertaken by a group.

Common error

Avoid using "we toiled on" in highly formal or professional settings, as it can sound slightly old-fashioned or overly dramatic. Opt for alternatives like "we persevered" or "we continued our efforts" in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we toiled on" functions as a verb phrase indicating a continuous action performed by a group. According to Ludwig AI, it describes a sustained effort or hard work over time, often facing challenges. It suggests perseverance and dedication.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we toiled on" is a grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe continuous and arduous effort. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and correctness in written English. While relatively infrequent, it effectively conveys a sense of perseverance and dedication. Its primary context is in news and media. While the phrase is valid, one should be mindful of its slightly old-fashioned tone, especially in more formal contexts. Alternatives such as "we persevered" or "we continued our efforts" may be more suitable in those situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we persevered

Replaces "toiled" with a more general term for continuing despite difficulty.

we labored onward

Substitutes "toiled" with "labored" and "on" with "onward", emphasizing continuous work.

we continued working diligently

Replaces "toiled on" with a more descriptive phrase highlighting dedication.

we pressed forward

Focuses on making progress despite challenges, rather than just the effort.

we kept striving

Emphasizes the continuous effort and ambition.

we plugged away

Informal expression for persistent effort.

we soldiered on

Implies enduring hardship and continuing despite difficulties.

we strove relentlessly

Highlights the intensity and persistence of the effort.

we applied ourselves tirelessly

Emphasizes the dedication and lack of rest in the work.

we persisted

Simply conveys the continuation of effort, lacking the implication of difficulty.

FAQs

What does "we toiled on" mean?

The phrase "we toiled on" means that a group of people worked very hard and persistently, often over a long period, to achieve something despite difficulties.

What can I say instead of "we toiled on"?

You can use alternatives like "we persevered", "we labored onward", or "we continued working diligently" depending on the context.

Is "we toiled on" formal or informal?

"We toiled on" is neither strictly formal nor informal but leans towards a slightly more literary or descriptive style. It's best suited for contexts where you want to emphasize the effort and persistence involved.

How can "we toiled on" be used in a sentence?

You might say, "Despite the setbacks, "we toiled on", determined to complete the project before the deadline."