a conscious effort

USAGE SUMMARY

"a conscious effort" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize the importance of someone taking control and putting in the effort to achieve something. For example, "It took a conscious effort to finish the project on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"They believed this was a conscious effort".

The New York Times

Made a conscious effort to stop moving.

The New Yorker

"That's a conscious effort," Huntington said.

The New York Times - Sports

It's not really a conscious effort.

The New York Times - Sports

It's not a conscious effort either way".

The New York Times - Sports

"Every breath is a conscious effort.

The Guardian

To begin with it takes a conscious effort – everything worth doing starts with a conscious effort.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

For years, I made a conscious effort to avoid Israel.

Independent

But it's not really a conscious effort to do it.

The New York Times - Sports

"It became a conscious effort not to upset her".

The New Yorker

There's a conscious effort to tone it down.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a conscious effort", ensure the sentence clearly indicates what action the effort is directed towards. This adds clarity and impact to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "a conscious effort" as a generic filler phrase. Always specify the goal or action that requires the effort to maintain clarity and avoid vagueness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a conscious effort" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb. It describes the act of intentionally applying oneself to a task or goal. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and provides numerous examples where this phrase effectively conveys deliberate action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Wiki

26%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a conscious effort" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to highlight intentional and deliberate actions. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's widely accepted and applicable across various contexts, particularly in news, media and wiki sources. To use the phrase effectively, ensure that the context clearly specifies the target of the effort. While alternatives like "a deliberate attempt" or "an intentional undertaking" exist, "a conscious effort" remains a versatile choice for emphasizing mindful action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a deliberate attempt

Emphasizes the intentional and planned nature of the action more strongly than "effort".

a determined endeavor

Highlights the resolve and persistence involved in the undertaking.

an intentional undertaking

Focuses on the purposefulness behind the action.

a purposeful endeavor

Stresses the goal-oriented nature of the activity.

a calculated move

Implies a strategic and carefully planned action.

a planned initiative

Highlights the structured and organized approach to the task.

a strategic intervention

Suggests a focused action to achieve a specific outcome.

a willful action

Emphasizes the determination and resolve behind the action.

a proactive measure

Suggests taking initiative to prevent a problem or improve a situation.

a considered approach

Implies careful thought and evaluation before taking action.

FAQs

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

Use "a conscious effort" to describe a deliberate and intentional attempt to achieve something. For example, "It takes "a conscious effort" to stay positive during difficult times."

What are some alternatives to "a conscious effort"?

You can use alternatives like "a deliberate attempt", "a determined endeavor", or "an intentional undertaking depending on the context".

Is it redundant to say "make a conscious effort"?

While "effort" inherently implies intention, using "make "a conscious effort"" emphasizes the deliberate nature of the action, reinforcing the idea of intentionality.

What's the difference between "a conscious effort" and "an unconscious effort"?

"A conscious effort" implies a deliberate and intentional act, while "an unconscious effort" is an oxymoron. Efforts are, by definition, intentional.