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Took great pains

UK//tʊk ɡreɪt peɪnz//US//tʊk ɡreɪt peɪnz//

Meaning of Took great pains

Made a significant effort to achieve something.

In simple words: tried very hard to do something

Took great pains in a sentence

  • She took great pains to ensure the project was perfect.
  • He took great pains to learn the new language.
  • They took great pains to organize the charity event.

How to use Took great pains

Use in contexts where someone is putting a lot of effort into a task, but avoid in casual situations.

Grammar pattern

took + great pains + (to + verb)

Memory hint

Imagine someone carefully crafting a delicate sculpture — they took great pains to get it right.

Related words

Collocations with Took great pains

  • took great pains to
  • took great pains in
  • took great pains for

Synonyms for Took great pains

  • made an effort
  • strived
  • endeavored
  • worked hard
  • toiled

Opposites of Took great pains

  • neglected
  • ignored
  • rushed

Common mistakes with Took great pains

  • Confused with 'took great care' — different emphasis on effort vs. caution.
  • Using in too informal a context — better for writing or serious conversation.
  • Incorrectly using past tense in contexts that require present or future tense.

Took great pains appears in

Took great pains in other languages

More idioms like Took great pains

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Frequently asked questions about Took great pains

What does Took great pains mean?

tried very hard to do something

What is the definition of Took great pains?

Made a significant effort to achieve something.

How do you use Took great pains in a sentence?

She took great pains to ensure the project was perfect.

Can you give another example of Took great pains?

He took great pains to learn the new language.

What are synonyms for Took great pains?

Common alternatives include made an effort, strived, endeavored, worked hard, toiled.

What is the opposite of Took great pains?

Opposite meanings include neglected, ignored, rushed.

What words go with Took great pains?

It commonly pairs with took great pains to, took great pains in, took great pains for.

What are common mistakes when using Took great pains?

Confused with 'took great care' — different emphasis on effort vs. caution. Using in too informal a context — better for writing or serious conversation. Incorrectly using past tense in contexts that require present or future tense.

How do you pronounce Took great pains?

US: //tʊk ɡreɪt peɪnz//, UK: //tʊk ɡreɪt peɪnz//. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Took great pains?

Use in contexts where someone is putting a lot of effort into a task, but avoid in casual situations.