a conscientious effort

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'a conscientious effort' is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to refer to an act of diligence and hard work directed towards a particular goal. For example, "The student made a conscientious effort to master the curriculum."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

Such a talent tarnishes quickly without a conscientious effort to keep it bright.

The New Yorker

By making a conscientious effort to minimize the harm to others, you responded appropriately.

The New York Times - Magazine

They made a conscientious effort to clean things up and get the bad guys out.

The New York Times

"The department, I have to say, has made a conscientious effort to reduce suicides," he said.

The New York Times

We met on three more occasions, and each time he made a conscientious effort to explain himself or a point.

The New York Times - Magazine

They've always been in this country, but yet there's been a conscientious effort not to see our contribution".

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

Rather, we are rejecting blind adherence to a phrase which at most has superficial clarity and which conceals underneath that thin veneer all of the problems of line drawing which must be faced in any conscientious effort to apply the Fourth Amendment.

Cornell University

Since the discovery of the Race Crisis series, the school has slowly made a more conscientious effort to preserve its past.

The New York Times

Both the majority and dissenting en banc opinions reflect a most conscientious effort to apply the principles we announced in Aguilar v. Texas, 378 U.S. 108, 84 S.Ct.

Cornell University

"If this is a truly conscientious effort to get tough with employers to say the days are over of profiteering with illegal immigrants, that's fine," said Mr. Bilbray, who opposes any effort to give legal status to illegal immigrants.

The New York Times

It may be unrealistic to expect that Iraq's weak and dysfunctional government could meet all the targets by September, but a serious, conscientious effort across the board was needed, and would be apparent to all.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a conscientious effort" to emphasize not just effort, but effort driven by a sense of duty or moral obligation. This suggests that the effort is thoughtful and deliberate, not merely perfunctory.

Common error

Avoid confusing "conscientious" with "conscious". "Conscientious" implies acting with careful attention and moral awareness, whereas "conscious" means being aware or awake. For example, say "He made a conscientious effort to recycle", not "He made a conscious effort to recycle" (unless you mean he was aware of the need to recycle).

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a conscientious effort" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a specific instance of dedicated action. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and widely recognized.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Academia

21%

Science

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a conscientious effort" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun phrase that describes a deliberate and responsible attempt to achieve a goal. According to Ludwig, it is used effectively across various registers, primarily in news, academic, and scientific contexts. When using this phrase, remember that “conscientious” implies a sense of moral obligation and careful attention, differentiating it from merely trying hard. Alternative phrases, such as "a dedicated effort" or "a diligent effort", can offer subtle variations in meaning, so choose carefully based on the desired emphasis. This phrase is a powerful way to highlight the thoughtfulness and dedication behind an action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a dedicated effort

Emphasizes commitment and devotion to the task.

a meticulous effort

Highlights thoroughness and attention to detail.

a diligent effort

Stresses perseverance and carefulness in the endeavor.

a scrupulous effort

Implies a high degree of moral integrity and exactness.

a sincere effort

Focuses on the genuineness and honesty of the attempt.

a deliberate effort

Indicates a conscious and intentional attempt.

a careful effort

Suggests caution and thoughtfulness in the undertaking.

a determined attempt

Emphasizes resolve and firmness of purpose in the effort.

an earnest endeavor

Highlights the seriousness and sincerity of the undertaking.

a painstaking endeavor

Focuses on the extreme care and thoroughness involved.

FAQs

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

You can use "a conscientious effort" to describe someone's dedicated work towards a goal. For example, "She made "a conscientious effort" to learn the new software".

What are some alternatives to "a conscientious effort"?

Some alternatives include "a dedicated effort", "a diligent effort", or "a meticulous effort", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "a conscientious effort" or "a conscious effort"?

The choice depends on the context. "Conscientious" implies moral or ethical consideration, while "conscious" implies awareness. Therefore, "a conscientious effort" is used when the effort is driven by a sense of duty, whereas "a conscious effort" is used when referring to an effort made with awareness.

What distinguishes "a conscientious effort" from other expressions of effort?

"A conscientious effort" suggests a deliberate and thoughtful approach, driven by a sense of responsibility. It's more than just trying hard; it's about applying careful attention and ethical considerations. Alternatives like "a sincere effort" or "a diligent effort" might emphasize different aspects of the effort, such as genuineness or persistence.