a positive effort

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a positive effort" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an attempt or action that is constructive or beneficial in nature. Example: "The team made a positive effort to improve communication and collaboration among members."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

"But it was a positive effort for the company".

The New York Times

However, he wrote, "we've identified our model selection criteria is a key issue for us to address, and … it's on our agenda to make a positive effort to be truly representative going forward".

The Guardian - Opinion

He ran the economy largely according to guidelines set down by the International Monetary Fund and made a positive effort to encourage investment from global corporations.

BBC

Referring to Douglas' definition of dirt as 'matter out of place', there is no absolute dirt and, 'Eliminating it is not a negative movement, but a positive effort to organize the environment,' (Douglas 1966 2).

Ecological Processes

Burroughs 2, Pasadena 1: The Indians started Pacific League play with a positive effort, defeating the Bulldogs Wednesday at Memorial Field.

Los Angeles Times

I saw the Million Man March as a positive effort and I helped to organize a group from Minneapolis to attend.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

In a letter announcing her decision, she said that "despite our best efforts, and a positive campaign, it has not been enough", adding, "I must take responsibility".

The Guardian

Just this month, Mr. Obama's campaign announced a $25 million advertising buy in the battleground states in a largely positive effort to promote the president's accomplishments in office.

The New York Times

"I thought of it as a very positive effort," he added.

The New York Times - Arts

In explaining the distinction, Mr. Dinkins, who spoke to Mr. Paterson's aides but not Mr. Paterson over the weekend, said: "One is a very positive effort to attack, to demean.

The New York Times

The banks exemplify a purely positive effort mother to mother that highlights our capacity to "share the health," according to the Mother's Milk Bank Northeast's logo.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing actions aimed at improvement or progress, use "a positive effort" to convey a sense of optimism and determination.

Common error

Avoid using "positive" generically; always specify what makes the effort positive. For example, instead of just saying "a positive effort", describe it as "a positive effort to reduce waste" to provide clear context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a positive effort" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "positive" modifies the noun "effort". This denotes a constructive and beneficial attempt or endeavor. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a positive effort" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase, according to Ludwig AI, that describes a constructive and beneficial attempt. While not exceedingly common, it appears across diverse contexts, most frequently in News & Media and Science. To enhance clarity, it's advisable to provide specific context regarding the effort's positive nature. Consider related phrases such as "a constructive endeavor" or "a beneficial attempt" for variety. Remember to avoid vagueness by specifying what makes the effort positive.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a constructive endeavor

Emphasizes the building or creating aspect of the effort.

a beneficial attempt

Highlights the advantageous or helpful nature of the attempt.

a commendable undertaking

Focuses on the praiseworthy and ambitious nature of the effort.

a valuable contribution

Stresses the importance and worth of the effort's outcome.

a worthwhile initiative

Highlights the significance and purpose-driven nature of the effort.

a productive measure

Focuses on the effective and result-oriented nature of the action.

a helpful approach

Emphasizes the supportive and useful quality of the method.

a forward-looking step

Highlights the progressive and future-oriented nature of the action.

an encouraging move

Focuses on the hopeful and confidence-boosting aspect of the action.

a favorable action

Stresses the approving and advantageous nature of the undertaking.

FAQs

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

You can use "a positive effort" to describe actions taken to improve a situation. For example, "The company made "a positive effort" to reduce its carbon footprint."

What can I say instead of "a positive effort"?

You can use alternatives like "a constructive endeavor", "a beneficial attempt", or "a commendable undertaking depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say "a positive effort"?

While "effort" often implies a positive intention, using "positive" emphasizes the constructive and beneficial nature of the attempt, making it suitable when you want to highlight the favorable aspects.

What is the difference between "a positive effort" and "a good effort"?

"A good effort" generally refers to the level of exertion, whereas ""a positive effort"" focuses on the constructive and beneficial impact of the actions taken.