working very hard

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "working very hard" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who is putting in a significant amount of effort or labor into a task or project. Example: "Despite the challenges, she is working very hard to meet the project deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We're working very hard.

The New York Times

"She's working very hard.

The New York Times

They're working very hard.

The New York Times

All working very hard.

The New York Times - Magazine

Big Sean is working very hard.

The New York Times - Arts

And we are working very hard.

The New York Times - Sports

I am working very hard".

The New York Times

We're working very hard to do so".

Independent

They're working very hard in practice.

The Guardian - Sport

"'Everyone there is working very hard".

The New York Times

"I'm working very hard on it".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's dedication, use "working very hard" to convey a strong sense of commitment and effort. It's versatile and easily understood in most contexts.

Common error

While "working very hard" is acceptable, avoid using it excessively in a single piece of writing. Vary your language with synonyms like "exerting considerable effort" or "dedicating oneself fully" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "working very hard" is to act as a verbal phrase, often part of a larger verb phrase, that describes the action of exerting significant effort. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a common and acceptable way to express diligence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "working very hard" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to describe significant effort and dedication. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, showcasing its widespread use across various contexts. While acceptable in many situations, it's beneficial to vary your language with synonyms to avoid overuse. Remember to use "worked very hard" for past tense and be mindful of the distinction between "working very hard" (putting in a lot of effort) and "working smart" (being efficient and strategic). It's particularly prevalent in news and academic contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

giving it one's all

Emphasizes a complete commitment of effort and energy.

going the extra mile

Indicates exceeding expectations and putting in additional effort.

putting in maximum effort

Highlights the commitment to giving one's best.

dedicating oneself fully

Focuses on the commitment and devotion to a task.

working around the clock

Highlights the continuous and persistent nature of the work.

exerting considerable effort

Emphasizes the amount of effort being applied.

toiling tirelessly

Implies working persistently without rest.

laboring intensely

Suggests a high degree of effort and focus.

burning the midnight oil

Refers to working late into the night, often studying or working.

striving with all one's might

Conveys a sense of determination and strength in effort.

FAQs

How can I use "working very hard" in a sentence?

You can use "working very hard" to describe someone putting in significant effort. For example, "The team is working very hard to meet the deadline."

What can I say instead of "working very hard"?

You can use alternatives like "exerting considerable effort", "putting in maximum effort", or "dedicating oneself fully" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "worked very hard" instead of "working very hard"?

Yes, "worked very hard" is the past tense form. Use "worked very hard" when referring to effort exerted in the past, whereas "working very hard" refers to present continuous effort.

What's the difference between "working very hard" and "working smart"?

"Working very hard" implies putting in a lot of effort and time. "Working smart", on the other hand, suggests being efficient and strategic in one's work, optimizing efforts for better results. They are not mutually exclusive.