a constant effort

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a constant effort" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an ongoing and persistent attempt to achieve something or maintain a certain standard. Example: "Achieving success in any field requires a constant effort to improve and adapt to new challenges."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

This will require a constant effort through design work, visual output, and discourse.

Yale University

"It's a constant effort to be able to do everything the orchestra is capable of doing".

The New York Times

And that's where the strategy starts … it's a constant effort to try to be better," Boyan said.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Constant searches – all of this is a constant effort to seek out and find one's vulnerable spot.

The Guardian

"I thought of beauty as a constant effort to eliminate corporeality", says Olga, the protagonist of The Days of Abandonment.

The Guardian - Books

Never entirely sure of their position, his characters engage in a constant effort to establish their equilibrium.

The New York Times - Books

This was a man toward the end of middle age; although he held his shoulders stiffly back, they looked as if they would sag without a constant effort.

The New Yorker

Ullrich, 27, prefers to train at home, in a constant effort to keep the pounds off, rather than overindulge in races.

The New York Times - Sports

The critics suggest that his inquiries are more the stuff of seduction, a constant effort to endear himself to whoever is listening.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

The birds were caught using a constant-effort method in which the number, time, and location of capture sessions, and the time interval between sessions, were standardized.

Plosone

Even with a near constant effort to absorb all the knowledge we can, we didn't learn as fast as I would have liked and we've made some devastating mistakes along the way.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "a constant effort" with strong verbs to enhance the impact of your writing. For example, instead of "there is a constant effort", try "we maintain a constant effort" or "they dedicate a constant effort".

Common error

Avoid using "a constant effort" as a vague statement. Always specify what the effort is directed towards and what results it aims to achieve. Instead of just stating "it requires a constant effort", clarify what specific actions or changes the effort involves.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a constant effort" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in various contexts, showcasing its ability to describe ongoing attempts or activities. The Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

25%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a constant effort" is a versatile noun phrase denoting sustained and persistent action. It's grammatically sound and widely used, as confirmed by Ludwig, with examples spanning news, science, and academic writing. While alternatives like "a sustained endeavor" or "a persistent attempt" exist, the core meaning remains consistent: continuous dedication towards a goal. Remember to specify the target of the "constant effort" to enhance clarity. Whether it's maintaining health, improving skills, or achieving success, "a constant effort" underscores the importance of unwavering dedication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a sustained endeavor

Substitutes "effort" with "endeavor" and "constant" with "sustained", emphasizing the prolonged nature of the activity.

a persistent attempt

Replaces "effort" with "attempt" and "constant" with "persistent", highlighting the repetitive nature of the trying.

an ongoing endeavor

Uses "ongoing" in place of "constant", stressing the continuous nature of the "endeavor".

a tireless endeavor

Emphasizes the dedication and energy involved, suggesting an "endeavor" performed without tiring.

a continual struggle

Emphasizes the difficulty involved, portraying the effort as a "struggle" that is "continual".

a steadfast commitment

Shifts the focus to the underlying dedication, highlighting a "commitment" that is "steadfast".

a relentless pursuit

Highlights the unwavering and determined nature of the effort, using "relentless pursuit".

a dedicated push

Implies focused energy and resolve, describing a "push" that is "dedicated".

an unremitting exertion

Uses more formal vocabulary, replacing "effort" with "exertion" and "constant" with "unremitting", indicating continuous pressure.

a never-ending quest

Presents the effort as a "quest" that is "never-ending", emphasizing its potentially limitless duration.

FAQs

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

You can use "a constant effort" to describe a sustained attempt to achieve something. For example, "Maintaining good health requires "a constant effort" to eat well and exercise regularly".

What are some alternatives to "a constant effort"?

Alternatives include "a sustained endeavor", "a persistent attempt", or "an ongoing endeavor", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "a constant effort" or "a continuous effort"?

Both "a constant effort" and "a continuous effort" are grammatically correct and can be used interchangeably. However, "constant" implies unwavering dedication, while "continuous" suggests uninterrupted activity. Choose the word that best fits the context.

What's the difference between "a constant effort" and "a dedicated effort"?

"A constant effort" emphasizes the sustained and ongoing nature of the attempt, while "a dedicated effort" highlights the commitment and focus involved. A "dedicated effort" may not necessarily be constant, but it implies strong intention and purpose.