a diligent effort

USAGE SUMMARY

"a diligent effort" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to work that requires careful attention or effort to accomplish. For example: John put in a diligent effort to improve his grades last semester.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

As Colonel Vandeveld began a diligent effort to assemble what he assumed would be the evidence that would convict Jawad, he became increasingly distressed and ultimately dismayed.

The New York Times

Worse, there is an embarrassing video clip on the Internet of Ovechkin gliding casually toward Stepan as Stepan scored the winning goal in Game 4. But Ovechkin responded in Game 5 with a diligent effort.

The New York Times - Sports

(d) When holding open meetings, the Commission shall make a diligent effort to provide appropriate space, sufficient visibility, and adequate acoustics to accommodate the public attendance anticipated for the meeting.

Cornell University

"I made a diligent effort to sort of educate myself," Mr. Hevesi said, explaining why he was more critical of the Police Department's handling of the issue after talking to black officials.

The New York Times

Barber v. Page, supra, held that the absence of a witness from the jurisdiction does not excuse the State's failure to attempt to compel the witness' attendance at trial; in such circumstances, the government must show that it has engaged in a diligent effort to locate and procure the witness' return.

Cornell University

The rocker in him made a diligent effort: he swore, he stood on his piano, he introduced 2005 tune Photograph as "a song about sex, drugs and living in the West Country", and inserted the words "one cheeky line of cocaine" into I Get a Kick Out of You.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

Besides, the real question was not whether the plaintiff got the best possible price, or as much as others got in special instances, but whether the resale was fairly made in a reasonably diligent effort to obtain a good price.

Cornell University

One can only hope that the Florida proposals represent the beginning of a more diligent effort to balance the country's energy needs with its environmental imperatives.

The New York Times

When you find it, whether it's wild mushrooms, a parking space or the TV remote, the object gained is a reward for diligent effort.

The New York Times

"Music has the power not only to bring great joy to children's lives," she writes, "but to encourage in them an awareness that diligent effort brings lasting rewards".

The New York Times - Books

5 Then they went forward in a body, and by diligent effort learned of his capture, and sent word of it to the cities of the Achaeans.

University of Chicago

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a diligent effort", ensure that the context clearly indicates the area or task to which the effort is applied. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a diligent effort" when the context requires immediate action or a quick fix. Diligence implies a sustained and careful approach, not a hasty one.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a diligent effort" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It describes the application of careful and sustained work towards a particular goal. As seen in Ludwig, the phrase is usable in written English to refer to work that requires careful attention.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Academia

29%

Science

24%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a diligent effort" is a grammatically sound and commonly used noun phrase that describes focused and careful work. As Ludwig AI confirms, the expression is correct and appropriate in written English. It carries a neutral tone and is suitable for various contexts, including news, academic writing, and professional communication. While alternatives exist, such as "a dedicated endeavor" or "a conscientious attempt", the key is to ensure that the chosen phrase accurately reflects the intended meaning, emphasizing either dedication, thoughtfulness, or thoroughness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a dedicated endeavor

Replaces "effort" with "endeavor" and "diligent" with "dedicated", emphasizing commitment.

a conscientious attempt

Substitutes "effort" with "attempt" and "diligent" with "conscientious", highlighting thoughtfulness.

a painstaking task

Replaces "effort" with "task" and "diligent" with "painstaking", focusing on the detailed nature of the work.

a thorough undertaking

Uses "undertaking" instead of "effort" and "thorough" instead of "diligent", implying completeness.

a spirited approach

Replaces "effort" with "approach" and "diligent" with "spirited", highlighting enthusiasm and energy.

a steadfast pursuit

Substitutes "effort" with "pursuit" and "diligent" with "steadfast", focusing on persistence.

a determined struggle

Uses "struggle" instead of "effort" and "determined" instead of "diligent", emphasizing overcoming obstacles.

a assiduous application

Replaces "effort" with "application" and "diligent" with "assiduous", highlighting persistent attention.

a earnest endeavor

Uses "endeavor" instead of "effort" and "earnest" instead of "diligent", focusing on sincerity and seriousness.

a sedulous work

Replaces "effort" with "work" and "diligent" with "sedulous", implying persistent and careful attention.

FAQs

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

You can use "a diligent effort" to describe someone's focused and careful work toward a goal. For example, "She made "a diligent effort" to complete the project on time".

What are some alternatives to "a diligent effort"?

Alternatives include "a dedicated endeavor", "a conscientious attempt", or "a thorough undertaking", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "diligent effort" formal or informal?

"Diligent effort" is generally considered neutral to formal. It's appropriate for both professional and academic settings, as well as general news reporting. For more informal contexts, you might choose a simpler phrase.

How does "a diligent effort" differ from "a hard effort"?

"A hard effort" implies strenuous exertion, while ""a diligent effort"" suggests careful, consistent, and attentive work. While both involve effort, "diligent" emphasizes the quality and method of the work.