work intently on

USAGE SUMMARY

"work intently on" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means to focus or concentrate with great effort on a specific task or goal. Example: "She had a lot of projects to complete, so she decided to work intently on one at a time to ensure they were done with precision and attention to detail."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science & Research

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

"Developing an ability to work intently on important problems over long periods of time is crucial, but one also needs to sustain one's 'spirit' along the way," she says.

Science Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

At the same time, she worked intently on her writing.

The New York Times - Books

IN early 1958, she began working intently on "Silent Spring" while serving as both a breadwinner and a caregiver.

The New York Times

They were working intently on Sweetheart cherries before moving off in their trucks to the long tables outside the barn for a cheerful mid-morning break.

The Guardian

He still works intently on card tricks, of the more avant-garde kind that derive from the great Spanish magician Juan Tamariz, whom all magicians today, on all sides, uncritically revere.

The New Yorker

Full of energy now, he bounds across the room when his father mentions school, and sits on the couch, working intently on science workbooks until Mustapha comes into the room.

The New York Times

For the past four months my office has worked intently on a daily basis with the Development Corporation, along with the state and city and the competing institutions to explore a variety of configurations.

The New York Times - Arts

If I achieve nothing more than working intently on these five things in the coming year, I'm pretty sure I'll be a great deal closer to the Jesus path I'm talking about than I am now.

Huffington Post

Here's a way you can think of focus in your work, what I call the 'focus progression.' If you focus on your work intently without distraction for the time that is needed, you will do the work that is necessary.

Huffington Post

A small group of men work intently, dressed in silver spaceman jackets and long leather aprons that cover their bluejeans.

The New York Times

The girls are a pleasure to work with, they listen to everything and they work intently.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "work intently on" to convey a sense of deep focus and commitment to the task at hand.

Common error

Avoid adding redundant adverbs that dilute the impact of "intently". Phrases like "work very intently on" can be unnecessarily wordy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "work intently on" functions as a verb phrase indicating a concentrated and dedicated effort towards a specific task. It describes the manner in which work is performed, emphasizing focus and determination. Ludwig confirms that it's a correct and usable English phrase.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science & Research

12%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Science

17%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "work intently on" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig, that describes focusing with great concentration and dedicated effort on a particular task or project. Although not extremely common, it appears across various contexts, including news, science, and general writing. When using this phrase, clarity is key – ensure the subject or task being focused on is clearly indicated. Be mindful of redundant adverbs that might dilute its impact. Alternatives such as "work thoroughly on" or "work meticulously on" can be considered depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

work meticulously on

Stresses the precision and care taken.

work intensely on

Similar to "work intensively on", emphasizing strong focus.

work thoroughly on

Emphasizes the comprehensiveness of the work.

work intensively on

Highlights the high level of effort and focus.

work conscientiously on

Highlights the diligence and responsibility applied.

work carefully on

Highlights the attention to detail and potential for errors.

work extensively on

Focuses on the broad scope and scale of the work.

work hard on

A more general term for putting in effort.

work closely on

Implies collaboration and attention to detail.

work sincerely on

Emphasizes honesty and genuineness in the work.

FAQs

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

You can use "work intently on" to describe focusing with great concentration on a particular task. For example, "The team had to "work intently on" the project to meet the deadline."

What are some alternatives to "work intently on"?

Alternatives include "work thoroughly on", "work intensively on", or "work meticulously on" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "work intently on" or "focus intently on" a task?

Both phrases are grammatically correct. "Focus intently on" emphasizes the act of directing one's attention, while "work intently on" highlights the effort applied. Choose the phrase that best fits the context.

What kind of projects are best suited for someone to "work intently on"?

Projects that require deep concentration, attention to detail, and sustained effort are well-suited for someone to "work intently on". These can include scientific research, complex problem-solving, or creative endeavors.