work harder

USAGE SUMMARY

"work harder" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to encourage and motivate someone to put more effort into a task, especially if they are not working to their best capacity. Example sentence: "If you want to reach your goals, you have to work harder."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The 1% work harder.

The Guardian - Money

They work harder.

The New York Times

Nobody will work harder.

The New York Times

Still, resolving to work harder.

The New Yorker

Asians work harder than Europeans.

The Economist

We have to work harder".

The New York Times - Sports

"Women work harder," she continued.

The New York Times - Magazine

"It made me work harder.

The New York Times - Sports

The audience must work harder.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Civil servants now work harder.

The Economist

Now please work harder, then".

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "work harder" when encouraging someone to increase their effort or improve their performance, especially when they are capable of more.

Common error

Don't just tell someone to "work harder" without providing specific areas for improvement. Offer concrete suggestions or guidance to make their efforts more effective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "work harder" functions primarily as an imperative, directly urging or advising someone to increase their effort. Ludwig confirms this phrase is correct and usable in written English. It is often used to motivate or encourage improved performance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "work harder" is a grammatically correct and frequently used imperative phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig. It serves to encourage increased effort and improved performance across diverse contexts, particularly within News & Media, as well as Formal & Business domains. While versatile, it's crucial to apply this phrase with consideration, offering specific guidance alongside the general encouragement to avoid vagueness. Alternatives like "try harder" or "put in more effort" can be used depending on the specific nuance desired. The high frequency and authoritative sources underscore its widespread acceptance and usability. Ludwig AI analysis also confirms the phrase is correct and provides examples of its use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

try harder

This is a simpler and more direct synonym.

put in more effort

This is a common alternative focusing on the input of effort.

push yourself harder

Focuses on self-motivation and exceeding personal limits.

increase your efforts

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes a general increase in effort.

apply yourself more

This suggests focusing one's energy and attention more effectively.

double your efforts

This suggests a significant increase in exertion.

dedicate more time

This emphasizes the time commitment required.

dig deeper

Implies going beyond the surface and finding hidden reserves of effort.

exert more energy

This focuses on the physical or mental energy expended.

step up your game

An idiomatic phrase suggesting improvement and increased competitiveness.

FAQs

How can I use "work harder" in a sentence?

You can use "work harder" to encourage someone to improve their performance. For example, "If you want to achieve your goals, you need to work harder".

What are some alternatives to "work harder"?

You can use alternatives like "try harder", "put in more effort", or "increase your efforts" depending on the context.

Is it always appropriate to tell someone to "work harder"?

No, it's important to be mindful of the context and the individual's circumstances. Offering specific feedback and support is often more effective than simply telling someone to "work harder".

What's the difference between "try harder" and "work harder"?

"Try harder" suggests making an additional attempt, whereas "work harder" implies a sustained increase in effort over time.