a pioneering effort

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a pioneering effort" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an initiative or action that is innovative and leads the way in a particular field or area. Example: "The research team undertook a pioneering effort to develop a new vaccine that could combat the virus more effectively."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Rangoon University is going to be a pioneering effort.

The New York Times

Application of purified immobilized endoxylanases for CS hydrolysis is a pioneering effort in bioethanol production.

Applied Energy

Hers is a pioneering effort rooted in the early, defiant days of gender equity in sports.

The New York Times

A pioneering effort to use artificial intelligence in this context published in Nature in August 2018.

Stanford University

This represents a pioneering effort to integrate environmental taxes into the U.S. government budget.

Harvard University

An experiment by Turkstra (1995) represents a pioneering effort in this direction.

University of California, Berkeley

His systematic meteorological observations, begun in 1836, were a pioneering effort that he continued until his death.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Rock permeability enhancement faces many challenges, and therefore the development of Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS) still represents a pioneering effort.

Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews

The Capitol was a pioneering effort — the first, perhaps, since the ancient world — to strive for something like democratic splendor.

The New York Times - Arts

Mr. Eichbaum and other conservationists are pushing a pioneering effort to establish a protected area in the North Atlantic.

The New York Times

It's a pioneering effort, a global thing, and the university should be proud to be the center of it".

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a pioneering effort" when you want to emphasize the novelty and leadership qualities of an action or project. It suggests the effort is among the first of its kind.

Common error

Avoid using "a pioneering effort" to describe something that is merely an incremental improvement. Ensure the initiative represents a genuine breakthrough or a significant departure from existing practices.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a pioneering effort" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject complement or appositive. It describes a particular undertaking as being innovative and groundbreaking. Ludwig provides examples of its use across various domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

27%

Academia

19%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a pioneering effort" is a commonly used noun phrase that describes an innovative and groundbreaking undertaking. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and highlights its prevalent usage across news, scientific, and academic contexts. The phrase serves to emphasize the originality and leadership of a project or activity. While it is suitable for both neutral and formal settings, it's essential to ensure that the described effort genuinely represents a significant advancement to avoid overstating its impact. Alternatives like "groundbreaking endeavor" or "innovative initiative" can be used to add variety while maintaining the core meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

groundbreaking endeavor

Emphasizes the innovative and impactful nature of the undertaking.

innovative initiative

Highlights the novelty and proactive nature of the action.

trailblazing project

Focuses on the act of creating a new path or approach.

vanguard undertaking

Positions the effort as being at the forefront or leading edge.

pathfinding venture

Stresses the exploration and discovery aspect.

leading-edge development

Highlights the state-of-the-art nature of the work.

first-of-its-kind enterprise

Emphasizes the originality and uniqueness of the activity.

original undertaking

Focuses on the new and inventive quality of the initiative.

cutting-edge operation

Highlights the advanced and modern aspects of the activity.

novel approach

Underscores the freshness and originality of the method or strategy.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "a pioneering effort" in a sentence?

To effectively use "a pioneering effort", ensure that the subject you're describing truly represents something innovative and groundbreaking. Provide enough context to highlight what makes it a leading initiative in its field. For example: "The development of this new technology is "a pioneering effort" in renewable energy."

What are some alternatives to "a pioneering effort"?

Some alternatives to "a pioneering effort" include "groundbreaking endeavor", "innovative initiative", or "trailblazing project". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

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

Yes, "a pioneering effort" is suitable for formal writing, particularly when discussing innovative projects, research, or initiatives. Its formality aligns well with academic, scientific, or professional contexts.

What distinguishes "a pioneering effort" from other innovative activities?

"A pioneering effort" specifically highlights that the activity is among the first of its kind or a leading example in its field. While other activities might be innovative, "a pioneering effort" suggests a higher degree of originality and influence.