work my butt off

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "work my butt off" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express that someone is putting in a lot of effort or hard work into a task or project. Example: "I really want to succeed in this competition, so I've been working my butt off every day to prepare."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

"I knew I had to work my butt off".

The New York Times - Sports

I work my butt off," Ms. Thole, 46, said.

The New York Times

I said, 'Boy, I'm going to work my butt off to get there someday.' ".

The New York Times - Sports

"I work my butt off, excuse my language," she said sharply.

The New York Times - Magazine

"I work my butt off, and I still don't make it," she says.

The New York Times

He frequently says he will "work my butt off" for Mr. Obama if Mr. Obama wins the nomination.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

"I love working my butt off on these skipjacks".

The New York Times

"I've worked my butt off," she said.

The New Yorker

I've been working my butt off in the off-season".

The New York Times

"Being out there every day, working my butt off and not seeing results, it was tough.

The New York Times - Sports

There are higher goals now, and I am working my butt off to get it".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "work my butt off" to convey a sense of dedication and intense effort, especially in informal or conversational contexts. It adds a personal touch and emphasizes commitment.

Common error

Avoid using "work my butt off" in highly formal writing, such as academic papers or business reports. Opt for more professional alternatives like "dedicate significant effort" or "work diligently".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "work my butt off" functions as an idiomatic expression used to emphasize the intensity of one's effort. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It vividly conveys a strong commitment to hard work, as demonstrated in the provided examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

33%

Science

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "work my butt off" is a common idiomatic phrase used to express a strong commitment to hard work. Ludwig AI states that it is considered correct in written English. While grammatically sound, it's best suited for informal contexts, as using it in formal writing might be inappropriate. For formal settings, alternatives such as "dedicate significant effort" or "work diligently" are preferable. The phrase is frequently found in News & Media sources, reflecting its common usage in everyday language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

work my tail off

Replaces "butt" with "tail", maintaining the idiomatic and informal tone, indicating hard work.

work my fingers to the bone

Emphasizes the exhaustive nature of the work, suggesting long hours and physical effort.

bust my hump

An informal idiom suggesting intense effort and dedication to a task.

give it my all

Focuses on dedicating maximum effort and energy to a task or goal.

go the extra mile

Suggests exceeding expectations and putting in additional effort beyond what is required.

exert myself

A more formal way of expressing the act of putting in significant effort.

work extremely hard

A straightforward and less idiomatic way to express putting in a lot of effort.

put in a lot of effort

A general way of expressing hard work, without the idiomatic color of the original phrase.

slave away

Highlights the drudgery and relentless nature of hard work.

strain every nerve

Emphasizes the mental and physical exertion involved in trying hard.

FAQs

What does it mean to "work my butt off"?

To "work my butt off" means to work very hard and put a lot of effort into something. It's an informal way to describe dedicated and strenuous effort.

Is "work my butt off" appropriate for formal writing?

No, the phrase "work my butt off" is generally considered informal. In formal writing, it's better to use phrases like "dedicate significant effort" or "work diligently".

What are some alternatives to "work my butt off"?

Some alternatives to "work my butt off" include "work my tail off", "give it my all", or "work extremely hard". The choice depends on the desired level of formality and emphasis.

How can I use "work my butt off" in a sentence?

You can use "work my butt off" in a sentence like: "I'm going to work my butt off to get this project done on time." or "She had to work her butt off to pass the exam".