The phrase "work harder" means to put in more effort or energy into one's work. Here are some synonyms and explanations:
1. Exert more effort
- Explanation: "Exert" means to apply or put forth. When you "exert more effort," you are actively applying more physical or mental energy to your work. It emphasizes the conscious decision to push yourself. For example, "If you want to achieve your goals, you need to exert more effort in your studies." This is similar to "work harder" as it focuses on increasing the amount of energy and determination you put into the task.
- Example: The athlete knew he had to exert more effort during training to improve his performance, just as an employee might work harder to meet a deadline.
2. Apply oneself more
- Explanation: "Apply oneself" means to focus and direct one's attention and energy. When you apply yourself more, you are devoting more of your mental and physical resources to the work. It implies a sense of self - discipline and concentration. For example, "She decided to apply herself more to her job and started taking on extra responsibilities." This synonym highlights the personal commitment and focus that is also part of the concept of working harder.
- Example: To master a new skill, you have to apply yourself more, which is equivalent to working harder at learning that skill.
3. Put in more labor
- Explanation: "Labor" refers to physical or mental work, usually of a strenuous nature. "Put in more labor" means to do more work, especially work that requires effort. It's a more traditional - sounding phrase and emphasizes the amount of work done. For example, "The construction workers had to put in more labor to complete the building on time." This is like "work harder" in that it focuses on increasing the quantity and intensity of the work.
- Example: The farmers put in more labor during the harvest season, much like any worker might work harder during a busy period.
4. Strive more
- Explanation: "Strive" means to make great efforts to achieve something. When you strive more, you are intensifying your efforts towards a goal. It has a sense of aspiration and determination. For example, "We should strive more to make a positive impact on our community." This is related to "work harder" as it emphasizes the pursuit of a goal with increased vigor.
- Example: The students strived more to improve their grades, which is a form of working harder in an academic context.
5. Be more industrious
- Explanation: "Industrious" means hard - working and diligent. To be more industrious means to become more hard - working. It implies a consistent and dedicated work ethic. For example, "He became more industrious and started working longer hours to get ahead in his career." This synonym is about adopting a more hard - working attitude overall, similar to the idea of working harder.
- Example: The artist was more industrious, painting more frequently and with more focus, just as one might work harder to produce more and better work.