work the hardest

USAGE SUMMARY

"work the hardest" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize that someone is working with a lot of effort or intensity. Example: "John worked the hardest out of all the team members, and it paid off in the end!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That's when I work the hardest".

The Guardian - Sport

Did the person with the most real or perceived "natural talent" also work the hardest?

The New York Times

But it is her eyes that work the hardest on screen.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

On Tuesdays we work the hardest, and have the hardest time falling asleep.

The Washington Post

"The guys who work the hardest will get it, and they were working hard".

The New York Times - Sports

But that time peaks on Tuesdays, not coincidentally the same day we work the hardest.

The Washington Post

According to Neel Mukherjee, it was Adinath who made him work the hardest in The Lives of Others.

The Guardian - Books

Mr. Gore, she added, "came across to me last night as the one who would work the hardest".

The New York Times

But don't imagine this isn't a serious work: the hardest test positions are as tough as any from Neishtadt.

The Guardian - Sport

I feel bad for the people that work the hardest but are less fortunate when it comes to money.

The New York Times

I found teaching hard work, the hardest job I've done, and I would be wrung out at the end of each day.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "work the hardest", ensure the context clearly indicates what the effort is being applied to. For instance, specify the project, task, or skill the person is working hardest on to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "work the hardest" when the context implies that the quantity of work is being measured, not the intensity. Instead, focus on the level of effort or dedication being applied.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "work the hardest" functions as a verb phrase, typically acting as the predicate of a sentence. It describes the action of exerting maximum effort, often in comparison to others. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "work the hardest" is a grammatically correct and frequently used verb phrase that emphasizes a high level of effort or dedication. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and usable in written English. While it maintains a neutral register suitable for various contexts, it is most commonly found in news and media, and academic settings. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly indicates the task or area where the effort is being applied. Alternatives like "exert maximum effort" and "strive with all one's might" offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exert maximum effort

Focuses on the level of effort applied, highlighting intense exertion.

strive with all one's might

Emphasizes the dedication and force behind the effort.

go the extra mile

Suggests exceeding expectations and putting in additional effort.

put in a Herculean effort

Implies a monumental and extraordinarily challenging effort.

spare no effort

Highlights the lack of reservation in dedicating effort to a task.

dedicate oneself wholeheartedly

Focuses on the complete commitment of oneself to the work.

apply oneself diligently

Emphasizes the consistent and careful application of effort.

give it one's all

Highlights the complete investment of one's energy and resources.

leave no stone unturned

Suggests a thorough and exhaustive effort, exploring every possibility.

be a diligent worker

Highlights the consistent and careful application of effort.

FAQs

How can I use "work the hardest" in a sentence?

You can use "work the hardest" to describe someone who exerts more effort than others. For example: "She will "work the hardest" to achieve her goals."

What's a good alternative to "work the hardest"?

Alternatives include "exert maximum effort", "strive with all one's might", or "go the extra mile", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "work the hardest"?

Yes, "work the hardest" is grammatically correct. It follows the standard structure of a verb followed by a superlative adjective.

What is the difference between "work the hardest" and "work the most"?

"Work the hardest" refers to the intensity or effort applied, while "work the most" typically refers to the quantity of work done. For example, you might "work the hardest" on a challenging project, but "work the most" on simpler tasks.