a certain effort

USAGE SUMMARY

"a certain effort" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to refer to an unspecified amount of effort that is being put into something. For example: "We made a certain effort to find a way to solve the problem, but in the end it was unsuccessful."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

It takes a certain effort to suck the life out of "Tosca".

The New Yorker

To travel to the particular somewhere Debussy wants, a certain effort against reluctance is needed.

The New York Times - Arts

Having lifted the first weight, the subject is "set" for a certain effort on the next try.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Rock wall retreat measurement on such a relief is associated with all types of problems because a certain effort has to be put into the measurement equipment design.

CATENA

Most of these effects are meant to work on us, the readers, almost subconsciously, but they require a certain effort nonetheless.

The New York Times - Magazine

Today it takes a certain effort to comprehend what made his sculptures so popular, but the whole story of his career, as related by the exhibition "John Rogers: American Stories" at the New-York Historical Society, is fascinating.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

If at a certain point effort inattention occurs, that is if the effort level is lowered, the state is driven out of Ws+.

Plosone

However, critical review of actual literature shows that despite certain efforts a milestone in therapeutic success is up to date not in sight.

BMC Clinical Pathology

Looking upon staff level of knowledge through a geographical lens has helped us understand where certain efforts are primarily needed in the future.

Human Resources for Health

It is all part of an effort to give the company's advertising a certain look - an effort that may soon mandate a single typeface.

The New York Times

To be certain, efforts to inhabit the surroundings of their subjects can go awry.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a certain effort" when you want to indicate that some amount of effort is required without specifying exactly how much.

Common error

Avoid using "a certain effort" when you mean to convey a significant amount of work. Instead, opt for phrases like "a considerable effort" or "a substantial undertaking".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a certain effort" functions as a noun phrase, where "certain" modifies the noun "effort". Ludwig shows that this phrase is used to indicate an unspecified degree of exertion or attempt.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a certain effort" is a phrase used to indicate that some unspecified amount of work is required or has been put into something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in various contexts, predominantly in news and media, science, and academia. While the precise amount of effort is not specified, the phrase suggests that action or exertion is involved. For more specific cases, consider alternative phrases like ""a specific endeavor"" or "a considerable attempt" to better suit your writing needs.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a specific endeavor

Focuses on the particularity of the undertaking, rather than the exertion involved.

a determined attempt

Highlights the resolve and persistence in the effort.

a dedicated undertaking

Emphasizes commitment and devotion to the task.

a particular exertion

Emphasizes the expenditure of energy required.

a noteworthy endeavor

Highlights the significance and importance of the effort.

a considerable attempt

Suggests the magnitude or intensity of the effort.

a marked undertaking

Highlights the noticeable or distinct characteristic of the effort.

a tangible exertion

Emphasizes the measurable or perceivable nature of the effort.

a significant endeavor

Emphasizes the import and consequence of the effort.

a deliberate attempt

Focuses on the intentionality and purposefulness of the effort.

FAQs

How can I use "a certain effort" in a sentence?

You can use "a certain effort" to indicate that some unspecified amount of effort is necessary or has been applied to achieve a goal. For example, "It requires "a certain effort" to master a new skill".

What are some alternatives to "a certain effort"?

Alternatives to "a certain effort" include "a specific endeavor", "a determined attempt", or "a dedicated undertaking", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to be specific about the level of effort required rather than using "a certain effort"?

Sometimes, specificity enhances clarity, but "a certain effort" is appropriate when the precise amount of effort is either unknown, unimportant, or best left vague. It implies that effort is necessary without quantifying it.

When is it inappropriate to use "a certain effort"?

It's less appropriate when you need to emphasize the scale or intensity of the work involved. In such cases, consider using phrases like "a significant effort" or "a monumental undertaking" instead.