a heroic effort

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a heroic effort" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant or commendable attempt to achieve something, often in challenging circumstances. Example: "The team made a heroic effort to complete the project on time despite the numerous obstacles they faced."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But what a heroic effort!

The New York Times - Books

A Heroic Effort At 7 a.m.

The New York Times

Theirs has not been a heroic effort.

The New York Times - Sports

"It was a heroic effort," he said.

The New York Times

It was a heroic effort in the stretch".

The New York Times - Sports

And his final dive is a heroic effort under pressure.

The Guardian - Sport

You were just making a heroic effort to make things look easy.

The New Yorker

That was a heroic effort on the part of Activision, the game's producer.

The New York Times

Kuchar added, "To finish with a two there is kind of a heroic effort".

The New York Times - Sports

Just before 9 00 P.M., the family straggled out, making a heroic effort to look happy.

The New Yorker

Even though Mr. van Aken never quite found his footing vocally, his was a heroic effort.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a heroic effort" to describe actions that involve significant risk, bravery, or dedication in the face of adversity. This phrase is most impactful when highlighting the admirable qualities of the attempt, regardless of the outcome.

Common error

Avoid using "a heroic effort" for routine tasks or situations where the level of difficulty or risk is minimal. This can dilute the phrase's impact and make your writing sound hyperbolic. Reserve it for truly exceptional endeavors.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a heroic effort" functions as a noun phrase that describes a particular attempt or undertaking. It combines the adjective "heroic", which modifies the noun "effort", emphasizing the exceptional and admirable qualities of the action. Ludwig AI analysis confirms this usage aligns with standard grammatical practices.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a heroic effort" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe an attempt that demonstrates exceptional courage, determination, or selflessness. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread usage across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While suitable for formal and neutral registers, it's crucial to reserve this phrase for situations that genuinely warrant its strong connotation to avoid diluting its impact. Remember to use it to highlight admirable qualities and consider alternatives like "a valiant endeavor" or "a courageous attempt" for different shades of meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a valiant endeavor

Replaces "effort" with "endeavor", suggesting a determined or zealous attempt.

a courageous attempt

Substitutes "heroic" with "courageous", highlighting the bravery involved in the effort.

a spirited undertaking

Uses "spirited undertaking" to emphasize the enthusiastic and determined nature of the effort.

a herculean task

Replaces the entire phrase with "a herculean task", emphasizing the immense difficulty of the undertaking.

a tremendous feat

Highlights the achievement aspect of the effort by calling it "a tremendous feat".

a monumental struggle

Shifts the focus to the difficulty faced during the effort, portraying it as "a monumental struggle".

an extraordinary measure

Suggests that the effort was beyond the ordinary, an action outside of the norm.

a determined push

Emphasizes the resolute and forceful nature of the effort.

a plucky try

Uses "plucky try" to convey a sense of courage and determination despite potential failure.

an all-out push

Implies a complete and forceful effort, suggesting that all available resources were used.

FAQs

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

You can use "a heroic effort" to describe situations where someone demonstrates exceptional courage or determination in attempting something difficult. For example: "The firefighters made "a heroic effort" to rescue the trapped residents."

What are some alternatives to "a heroic effort"?

Alternatives to "a heroic effort" include "a valiant endeavor", "a courageous attempt", or "a spirited undertaking", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

Yes, "a heroic effort" is suitable for formal writing, particularly when describing significant achievements or attempts in challenging circumstances. Its use is well-regarded in news reports, academic papers, and professional documents.

What distinguishes "a heroic effort" from "a great effort"?

"A great effort" simply indicates a significant amount of work was put in, while "a heroic effort" implies bravery, selflessness, and a willingness to face considerable risk or difficulty. The term "heroic" elevates the effort to a level of admirable action.