work hard on

USAGE SUMMARY

"work hard on" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize hard work on a task or activity. For example: "I'm going to have to work hard on my speech if I want to do well in the competition."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Work hard on all your work.

WikiHow

No one can tell you your drawing is wrong!! Work hard on your drawing, It helps.

WikiHow

Work hard on that particular goal.

The New Yorker

We work hard on sculpting our routines.

The Guardian

"I work hard on and off the court".

The New York Times

We have to work hard on this car".

Independent

You work hard on whatever you think is right.

The Guardian - Sport

He did work hard on his family's farm.

The New York Times

We at ActionAid work hard on these issues too.

The Guardian

And we'll work hard on that in 2016.

The Guardian

"We're just going to work hard on it".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "work hard on", ensure the object of your effort is clearly defined. For instance, specify whether you are working hard on a project, a skill, or a relationship.

Common error

Avoid using "work hard on" without specifying the area of focus. For example, instead of saying "I need to work hard on it", specify "I need to "work hard on" the presentation slides" to provide clarity and direction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "work hard on" functions as a verb phrase that describes the action of applying significant effort to a specific task or objective. Ludwig AI confirms this usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Wiki

28%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Reference

2%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "work hard on" is a grammatically sound and very commonly used phrase that conveys a dedication to applying significant effort to a particular task or goal. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts, from news and media to wikis and even formal business settings. To use it effectively, ensure the object of your effort is clearly defined. When the intensity of the dedication needs more emphasis, alternatives such as "dedicate oneself to" or "focus intently on" can be used. The phrase is widely supported by authoritative sources like The New York Times and BBC, ensuring its reliability and appropriateness in written and spoken English. Remember that the correct term is "work hard on" and not "work hardly on".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dedicate oneself to

Focuses on the commitment of time and energy to a specific purpose.

focus intently on

Emphasizes deep concentration and attention to detail.

concentrate efforts on

Focuses on channeling energy and resources toward a particular goal.

exert effort on

Highlights the physical or mental energy expended.

apply oneself diligently to

Stresses the consistent and careful application of skills and effort.

throw oneself into

Suggests enthusiastic and wholehearted commitment.

invest time and energy in

Highlights the resources allocated to a particular undertaking.

strive towards

Highlights the effort made when trying to achieve something.

labor assiduously at

Implies diligent and persistent effort over time.

commit resources to

Emphasizes the allocation of assets and support to a cause.

FAQs

How can I use "work hard on" in a sentence?

You can use "work hard on" to describe the effort you put into a task or project. For instance, "I need to "work hard on" my presentation to make it engaging".

What are some alternatives to "work hard on"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "dedicate oneself to", "focus intently on", or "exert effort on".

Is it correct to say "work hardly on" instead of "work hard on"?

No, "work hardly on" is grammatically incorrect. The correct phrase is "work hard on", where "hard" is an adverb modifying the verb "work".

What is the difference between "work hard on" and simply "work on"?

"Work hard on" emphasizes the intensity and effort being applied, whereas "work on" simply indicates that you are engaged with a task. For example, "I "work hard on" improving my skills" suggests more dedication than "I work on improving my skills".