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I did my best vs I do my best

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'I did my best' is used when referring to a past situation, while 'I do my best' is used to talk about a current or ongoing effort. So, the choice between the two depends on whether you are talking about something you did in the past or something you are currently doing.
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Explained by Jennifer
Editor at TextRanch

Last updated: January 18, 2025 • 7876 views

This phrase is correct when referring to a past action.

"I did my best"

This phrase is used to express that you made your best effort in the past.

Examples:

  • I did my best to finish the project on time.
  • She did her best to help her friend in need.
  • Sep 23, 2015 ... Provided to YouTube by Columbia I Did My Best · Soul Asylum Let Your Dim Light Shine ℗ 1995 SONY BMG MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT Released on: ...
  • Mar 21, 2020 ... Each has its own meaning, and both have two! I did my best means (1) that whatever action is being described, it was the best action which I ...
  • May 31, 2016 ... I did my best to think of an example where there would be a meaningful difference between the two, but I'm coming up empty. Both phrases talk ...
  • 8 hours ago ... I did my best :D. Art. I have tried my best to draw on my phone on a ...
  • Nov 2, 2021 ... I did my best today. ✨ ... No photo description available. ... This has comforted me - after my husband passing away this year - I know I did the ...
  • Jul 27, 2021 ... 12 votes, 20 comments. My mom says things like "I did my best. My mom did her best. Hasn't your therapist talked to you about this?
  • Jul 24, 2020 ... How It Is Used. One of the most common excuses or justifications for someones problematic behavior is the catch-all phrase, I did my best, or, ...
  • Feb 13, 2023 ... "I did my best" is such bullshit. [Rant/Vent]. As I get older I'm realizing how cruel our parents were at times, for no good reason. I've ...
  • Dec 3, 2020 ... Each has its own meaning, and both have two! I did my best means (1) that whatever action is being described, it was the best action which I ...
  • Jul 9, 2024 ... 29K likes, 4112 comments - mr_camron on July 9, 2024: "I did my best.. ‍♂️".

Alternatives:

  • I gave it my all
  • I tried my hardest
  • I put in my best effort
  • I did everything I could
  • I exerted myself to the fullest

This phrase is correct when talking about a current or ongoing effort.

"I do my best"

This phrase is used to express that you always make your best effort in the present or as a general statement.

Examples:

  • I do my best to stay positive in difficult situations.
  • He does his best to support his family.
  • Feb 11, 2023 ...I do my best” is more of a statement of your character. It wouldn't necessarily be tied to a specific task, but more about your general ...
  • Jan 21, 2012 ... I do my best because I'm counting on you counting on me. ... You've reminded me of a quote: "Small things done correctly make big things work ...
  • Nov 14, 2023 ... I do my best work from 11 pm to 4 am and have for years. I don't have a problem with it. It just is what it is. I work with it. Upvote 28
  • I do my best to acknowledge this on stage every night; but in the aftermath of @losteveningsfest I want to get this down properly. My crew are the best...
  • Dec 7, 2021 ... I do my best to be my own man and go by the beat of a different drummer and nobody gets me and they're always putting up walls and I'm always tearing 'em down.
  • Nov 14, 2014 ... Hello everyone. I have a question. Is the sentence, I do my best, grammatically correct? Is it the same meaning with "I will do my best"?
  • Sep 25, 2024 ... 2691 likes, 25 comments - frankturner on September 25, 2024: "I do my best to acknowledge this on stage every night; but in the aftermath of ...
  • Not a Culinary Genius, But I Do My Best. 0. By Vera Hogan on November 1, 2024 Reality. My cooking skills, I will freely admit, are not the greatest.
  • Feb 4, 2024 ... I do my best to live peacefully, to salute the gifts in others and to tread the earth with light footprints. I'm sure you do the same. [That's ...
  • I do my best work when my work environment is: mine. I need a space of my own that will let me think and work. Lively. I like it when people are around, I ...

Alternatives:

  • I always give it my all
  • I consistently try my hardest
  • I continuously put in my best effort
  • I always do everything I can
  • I consistently exert myself to the fullest

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