work intensely on

USAGE SUMMARY

"work intensely on" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that someone is putting a lot of effort into a task. For example, "I plan to work intensely on my project this weekend so I can finish it on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Calvert would come in early on the days he was teaching, and "work intensely" on the projects he gave her. "I like the idea of designing for the larger public... Design is a service," she explains.

The Guardian - Arts

However, I also work intensely on the multi-way trading platform Abecorn.com.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

"He worked intensely on Mozart concertos and Schubert sonatas," she added.

The New York Times - Arts

On a home-improvement kick, it installed a huge array of solar panels, and worked intensely on the landscaping.

The New Yorker

Despite all the uncertainties, companies are working intensely on new technologies for fear of being left behind.

The New York Times

Peyron said the French structural engineer Herve Devaux had been working intensely on updating and safety-proofing the new boats.

The New York Times - Sports

A senior Democrat aide who has worked intensely on the legislation described party leaders as circling a traffic rotary, over and over, looking for a road forward but unable so far to pick a path.

The New York Times - Health

Underlying much of their anger, some law enforcement analysts said, was this: They are aggrieved that the department's Internal Affairs Bureau works intensely on matters they consider small bore, like ticket-fixing.

The New York Times

Tim Trowac and Dave Rahall, two former investment bankers, skillfully execute the leveraged buyout of a golf ball recycling company after working intensely on their due diligence, writing a business and financial plan, and developing the investment memorandum.

Harvard Business Review

IN the mid-1950's, Roger Tory Peterson moved to a quiet hill in Old Lyme, where, until he died in 1996, he worked intensely on the bird guides for which he was famous.

The New York Times

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is working intensely on this concept.

Environmental Sciences Europe

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and context. While appropriate for many settings, it's crucial to ensure the intensity aligns with the expectations. A more casual phrase might be preferable in informal environments.

Common error

Avoid using excessive adverbs with "work intensely on". Overusing intensifiers like "really work intensely on" can make your writing sound redundant and less impactful. Let the phrase convey the intensity itself.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "work intensely on" functions as a verb phrase, where "work" is the main verb and "intensely" is an adverb modifying it. It describes the manner in which the action is performed. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Academia

24%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "work intensely on" is a grammatically correct and usable expression to convey dedicating significant effort and focus to a task. While not as common as simpler alternatives like "work hard on", it effectively emphasizes the level of commitment. According to Ludwig, its usage spans across news media, academic writing, and scientific contexts, making it appropriate for a variety of situations. When using the phrase, it's crucial to avoid redundancy by overusing intensifiers, and to consider the audience and context to ensure the level of intensity is fitting.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

work strenuously on

Replaces "intensely" with "strenuously", emphasizing the arduous nature of the work.

work hard on

Substitutes "intensely" with "hard", a more common but less emphatic alternative.

focus intently on

Replaces "work" with "focus", shifting the emphasis to concentration rather than labor.

concentrate deeply on

Uses "concentrate" instead of "work", and "deeply" instead of "intensely", highlighting mental engagement.

dedicate oneself to

Emphasizes commitment and devotion to a task rather than the intensity of the work itself.

immerse oneself in

Suggests a complete absorption in the work, going beyond just intense effort.

toil relentlessly on

"Toil" emphasizes the laborious aspect while "relentlessly" focuses on persistence.

exert considerable effort on

Rephrases the intensity as the exertion of "considerable effort", making it more formal.

invest heavily in

Changes the focus to investment, implying commitment of resources and effort.

labour assiduously on

"Labour" emphasizes the physical effort, while "assiduously" highlights diligence and care.

FAQs

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

You can use "work intensely on" to describe dedicating significant effort to a task. For example, "The team will "work intensely on" the project to meet the deadline."

What are some alternatives to "work intensely on"?

Alternatives include "focus intently on", "concentrate deeply on", or "dedicate oneself to" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more correct to say "work intensely on" or "work intense on"?

"Work intensely on" is the correct phrasing. The adverb "intensely" modifies the verb "work", indicating the manner in which the work is being done. "Intense" is an adjective and does not fit grammatically in this construction.

What's the difference between "work intensely on" and "focus intensely on"?

"Work intensely on" implies active effort and labor directed towards a task. "Focus intensely on" suggests a strong concentration and mental effort, possibly without the same level of physical exertion. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the labor or the concentration.