a definite effort

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a definite effort" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize a clear and intentional attempt to achieve something. Example: "The team made a definite effort to improve communication and collaboration among members."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

In addition to invoking an issue that Republicans have seized on in election after election over the past two decades -- tax cuts -- Mr. Lazio today seemed to be making a definite effort to move away from Mr. Bush's tax cut plan, if not the Republican presidential candidate himself.

The New York Times

This might be the hardest thing to do, but if you want to be popular you have to make a definite effort.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Yes, the task can be helped by definite efforts to raise the values of agricultural products, and with this the power to purchase the output of our cities.

The Guardian

A definite, burgeoning movement.

Huffington Post

"I'm all for taking pride in your appearance and putting time and effort into your style and hygiene, but there is a definite imbalance between how much effort men and women put into their looks.

HuffPost

Arguably these are little more than a big-screen series of tablet e-books, but with the addition of content by J.K. Rowling and others, this Sony effort shows a definite push towards younger gamers.

TechCrunch

Despite their satisfaction with the lack of forgery, 5 of the 8 supervisors expressed some discomfort with what they perceived as the competitive nature of the PBI system or the possibility that VHWs would expend effort without a definite reward.

Human Resources for Health

In terms of interpreting whether the results reported here specifically reflect improvements after implementation of guidelines, with this observational design we cannot infer a definite causality link, although all efforts were undertaken to widely and comprehensively distribute guidelines as described in the methods.

BMC Cancer

Efforts to achieve a definite resolution have foundered, but have produced a de facto status quo that serves the interests of two key parties to the conflict: Israel and Hamas, the Islamist group that controls the Gaza Strip.

Huffington Post

So all these efforts towards reconciliations will lead to a definite peace agreement.

The Guardian

But as the Republican efforts pile up, they are leaving a definite impression of advancing an anti-Trump foreign policy.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a definite effort" to highlight situations where a clear and intentional attempt is being made, distinguishing it from accidental or half-hearted attempts.

Common error

Avoid using "a definite effort" in overly casual or informal conversations, as it can sound somewhat stiff. In those situations, consider simpler phrases like "a real try" or "a good shot".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a definite effort" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It emphasizes the clear and intentional nature of an attempt or endeavor. Ludwig confirms its usability in expressing focused action.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

50%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a definite effort" is a grammatically correct phrase used to emphasize a clear and intentional attempt. While relatively uncommon, according to Ludwig, it appears in contexts ranging from news reports to how-to guides. For more formal scenarios, alternatives like "a determined attempt" may be suitable. Remember to avoid overusing the phrase in casual conversations to maintain a natural tone. Ludwig's AI confirms the correct usage of this phrase, highlighting its role in denoting focused action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a determined attempt

Emphasizes resolve and purposefulness in the attempt.

a concerted endeavor

Suggests a collaborative and well-organized effort.

a marked attempt

Highlights the noticeable or conspicuous nature of the effort.

a significant undertaking

Indicates that the effort involves considerable work and commitment.

a specific initiative

Focuses on a particular plan or project aimed at achieving a goal.

a tangible push

Implies a real and perceptible advancement or exertion.

an express endeavor

Highlights the explicit and intentional nature of the effort.

a decided exertion

Emphasizes the energy and effort put into the action.

a purposeful action

Highlights the intentional and goal-oriented nature of the undertaking.

a clear initiative

Emphasizes the clarity and unambiguity of the effort being made.

FAQs

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

You can use "a definite effort" to describe a clear and intentional attempt to achieve something, such as "The company made "a definite effort" to reduce its carbon footprint".

What are some alternatives to "a definite effort"?

Alternatives include "a determined attempt", "a concerted endeavor", or "a marked attempt", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "a definite effort" or "an definite effort"?

The correct phrasing is "a definite effort". The article "a" is used before words that begin with a consonant sound.

What's the difference between "a definite effort" and "a general effort"?

"A definite effort" implies a specific and focused attempt, while "a general effort" suggests a broader, less targeted approach. For instance, "a definite effort" might involve implementing a particular strategy, whereas a general effort could involve simply trying various approaches.