Cool MateExert vs Toil
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Exert
Top 3,000 (common)C1verb
Toil
Top 3,000 (common)B1verb
| Exert | Toil | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ɪɡˈzɜːt/","/ɪɡˈzɜːts/","/ɪɡˈzɜːtɪd/","/ɪɡˈzɜːtɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ɪɡˈzɜːrt/","/ɪɡˈzɜːrts/","/ɪɡˈzɜːrtɪd/","/ɪɡˈzɜːrtɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //tɔɪl//🇺🇸 //tɔɪl// |
| Meaning | To use energy or effort to do something. | To work very hard or struggle. |
| Example | He exerted all his authority to make them accept the plan. | She had toiling hours on the farm from dawn to dusk. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 3,000 (common) | Top 3,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | C1 | B1 |
| Part of speech | verb | verb |
| Collocations | exert influence, exert pressure, exert effort, exert force, exert control | toil away, toil in the fields, toil for success |
| Antonyms | relax, neglect, surrender | rest, idle, relax |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'exertion', which is the act of exerting., Used incorrectly with inanimate objects, as 'exert' typically requires a person as the subject., Mispronounced, often stressing the wrong syllable. | Confused with 'boil' in pronunciation., Using it in a context where less effort is implied., Misunderstanding it as only physical labor. |
| Usage notes | Commonly used in contexts involving physical effort or influence. Avoid in casual conversations where simpler words like 'use' can apply. | Used in both formal and informal contexts, often emphasizes hard work or effort over a long period. |
Frequently asked questions: Exert vs Toil
What's the difference between Exert and Toil?
Exert: To use energy or effort to do something. Toil: To work very hard or struggle.
Which is more advanced: Exert and Toil?
Exert is the highest level, at C1, on the CEFR scale.
Are Exert and Toil the same CEFR level?
Exert: C1, Toil: B1 on the CEFR scale.
What part of speech are Exert and Toil?
Exert: verb, Toil: verb.
Can you show an example of each?
Exert: He exerted all his authority to make them accept the plan. Toil: She had toiling hours on the farm from dawn to dusk.
Can I use Exert and Toil interchangeably?
Not always. Exert and Toil are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.