a great effort

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a great effort" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a significant amount of work or energy put into a task or project. Example: "The team put in a great effort to complete the project ahead of schedule."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

You gave a great effort.

The New York Times

"Italy is making a great effort.

The New York Times

"It was a great effort," Joe McKnight said.

The New York Times - Sports

A great effort, but another loss.

The New York Times - Sports

"It was a great effort," he said".

The Guardian - Sport

Chapeau to him for a great effort.

The Guardian - Sport

"But it was a great effort.

The New York Times - Sports

"That was a great effort," Crosby said.

The New York Times - Sports

A great effort to be Marianne Faithfull.

The Guardian

Was it a great effort of will?

The Guardian - Film

It was a great effort by the forwards, but a great effort by everybody.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a great effort" to positively acknowledge substantial work invested, even if the outcome wasn't fully successful. It acknowledges dedication and perseverance.

Common error

Avoid using "a great effort" when the situation calls for a more specific description of the accomplishment or the type of effort exerted. Instead, use phrases that reflect the specific nature of the achievement or the work completed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a great effort" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. Ludwig AI confirms its role in praising dedication, hard work, or a significant attempt made towards achieving a goal. Examples from Ludwig show it describing individual and collective endeavors across diverse fields.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a great effort" is a commonly used and grammatically sound phrase for acknowledging substantial work or energy invested in a task. Ludwig AI confirms its general correctness and usability. It is versatile, fitting into various contexts, from praising sports achievements to recognizing contributions in scientific research. While simple and direct, writers should avoid overuse by considering more specific synonyms to accurately describe the type or scale of effort made. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media, science, and formal business contexts, and authoritative sources include The New York Times and The Guardian.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a considerable attempt

Emphasizes the substantial nature of the attempt made.

a significant endeavor

Highlights the importance and scale of the undertaking.

a commendable performance

Focuses on the praiseworthy aspect of the execution.

a remarkable feat

Stresses the exceptional nature of the accomplishment.

a valiant attempt

Highlights the courage and determination involved in the attempt.

a determined push

Focuses on the resolute and persistent nature of the action.

a herculean task

Implies that the effort was difficult and demanded great strength.

a sterling job

Highlights the excellent quality of the work done.

an outstanding achievement

Emphasizes the high level of success attained.

a noteworthy contribution

Highlights the importance and value of the input.

FAQs

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

You can use "a great effort" to commend someone's hard work, for example, "The team made "a great effort" to finish the project on time, even with the unexpected challenges".

What are some alternatives to "a great effort"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "a considerable attempt", "a valiant attempt", or "a remarkable feat" to describe a significant undertaking.

Is it appropriate to use "a great effort" in formal writing?

Yes, "a great effort" is suitable for formal writing, especially when acknowledging hard work and dedication. However, consider using more specific language to highlight the precise nature of the achievement or the type of work completed.

When is it better to use "tremendous effort" instead of "a great effort"?

While both phrases are similar, "tremendous effort" (/s/a+tremendous+effort) might be used to emphasize the extraordinary or exceptional nature of the effort expended, suggesting it went above and beyond the usual expectations.