a controlled effort

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a controlled effort" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an action or endeavor that is deliberate and managed, often in a context where precision or restraint is important. Example: "The team made a controlled effort to minimize waste during the project, ensuring that resources were used efficiently."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Dehydration of biological material is a controlled effort to preserve the structure or create a new one that serves for functional purposes.

Trends in Food Science & Technology

The second component is a so-called tempo run of three to five miles, a controlled effort that's faster than a normal running pace, but that can be sustained for the length of the workout.

The New York Times

Results: The annotation scheme was applied to a large corpus in a controlled effort by eight independent annotators, where three individual annotators independently tagged each sentence.

Bioinformatics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

But executives insisted it was a very controlled effort to celebrate the rabbit's coming 20th birthday — complete with police approval.

The New York Times

Songandaprayer went the first quarter in 23.82 seconds, a distinctly more controlled effort than the all-out 22.2 he posted before tiring in the Holy Bull Stakes on Jan . 20

The New York Times - Sports

The midfielder, 25 yards from goal, measured a fierce yet controlled effort in off Dean Brill's post with the goalkeeper struggling to register any form of response given the quality of the strike.

BBC

Runners understand that easy running is really just a term for controlled effort and that it only comes after hundreds or thousands of miles have passed beneath your feet.

Huffington Post

A more composed and controlled effort from the champion, picking his shots carefully, but he has to be wary of the Mexican's stinging left hook that keeps creeping through.

BBC

Having weathered the home pressure, Wigan suddenly found their attacking instincts as Gomez's delightfully controlled effort sailed over Vorm's head but rebounded off the post.

BBC

This first component of mindfulness requires awareness and controlled effort to maintain full conscious focus in the "present moment" without wandering into thoughts of the past or the future.

BioMed Research International

'RAW materials' signifies a project of what Kouoh called "raw material human development", a project that challenges and seeks to replace a state-controlled effort to confine art production and curatorial practice to clearly delineated and impassive cultural boundaries with art that privileges new expressions of human experience in localized communities.

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing scientific or technical procedures, use "a controlled effort" to convey precision and methodological rigor. For example, "The experiment required a controlled effort to maintain consistent temperature levels."

Common error

Avoid using "a controlled effort" in everyday conversations or informal writing. It can sound overly formal or stilted. Opt for simpler phrases like "a careful attempt" or "a planned action" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a controlled effort" primarily functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It describes an action undertaken with intention and management. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Academia

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a controlled effort" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a deliberate and managed action, often in contexts requiring precision. Ludwig AI validates its usability. While relatively rare, it appears in news, scientific, and academic sources. For alternative phrasing, consider "a deliberate attempt" or "a managed undertaking". When using the phrase, be mindful of maintaining a formal tone and appropriate context, as overuse in informal settings can sound stilted.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a deliberate attempt

Emphasizes the intentionality and planning behind the action, differing slightly in focus from the execution.

a calculated endeavor

Highlights the careful planning and assessment involved, suggesting a strategic approach.

a managed undertaking

Stresses the organizational aspect and the ongoing oversight of the effort.

a regulated operation

Suggests strict adherence to rules and guidelines, adding a layer of formality.

a disciplined approach

Focuses on the methodical and self-controlled nature of the action, highlighting consistency and precision.

a strategic initiative

Emphasizes the long-term goals and planning behind the effort, positioning it as part of a larger plan.

an organized campaign

Implies a coordinated and structured effort, often involving multiple people or steps.

a supervised action

Highlights the oversight and guidance provided during the execution of the effort, ensuring compliance and quality.

a methodical process

Focuses on the step-by-step and systematic nature of the effort, emphasizing order and precision.

a painstaking task

Emphasizes the care and attention to detail required, suggesting a demanding and meticulous effort.

FAQs

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

Use "a controlled effort" to describe actions that require precision and careful management. For instance, "Dehydration of biological material is "a controlled effort" to preserve the structure".

What are some alternatives to "a controlled effort"?

Alternatives include "a deliberate attempt", "a calculated endeavor", or "a managed undertaking", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "a controlled effort" suitable for formal writing?

Yes, "a controlled effort" is well-suited for formal writing, especially in scientific, technical, or professional contexts where precision and careful management are emphasized.

What distinguishes "a controlled effort" from a simple "effort"?

"A controlled effort" implies a deliberate and managed approach, whereas a simple "effort" may refer to any attempt, whether planned or spontaneous. The addition of "controlled" emphasizes precision and oversight.