a proper effort

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a proper effort" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an effort that is appropriate, adequate, or meets certain standards in a given context. Example: "To achieve success in this project, we need to put in a proper effort from all team members."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Science & Research

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Defenders say the rules were a proper effort to define vague provisions with severe penalties.

The New York Times

A proper effort to fulfil our responsibilities as Europeans, whether or not we are members of the EU, is another.

The Guardian - Opinion

They should receive the best care possible, including palliative treatment, a dimension of terminal care that is often scandalously neglected: and this in turn will require, in America, a proper effort to extend health coverage to the uninsured.

The Economist

Whitworth's cross was aimed for the centre-forward Rodney Fern, who nipped in just ahead of Tommy Smith but could not get a proper effort on goal, the ball dribbling back towards the post.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

They are the trailblazers for Equal Civil Partnerships, a movement we support, including its fundraising efforts to mount a proper campaign for a change of law in the UK.

The Guardian - Opinion

Nevertheless, at high densities and pronounced habitat heterogeneity, FAR became more efficient than FSC, do not requiring the decay rates, allowing accurate estimates in a few months when applied with the proper effort and environmental conditions.

Mammalian Biology - Zeitschrift für Säugetierkunde

The former head of the Fraud Squad, David Clarke, now a private fraud consultant at Today Advisory, applauded the Government's moves, but said: "We need a proper, concerted effort between law enforcement and Companies House, because at the moment we're still handing it on a silver platter to the villains".

Independent

Although doing good R&D will fine-tune ME Inc.'s product and a proper sales/marketing effort will get it in front of the right people, the ultimate success of your "company" will depend upon the customer service effort you expend.

Science Magazine

It was a really challenging job, a proper team effort.

Vice

Jeff Arthur, a vice president at ECPI, a chain of for-profit colleges based in Virginia, told an industry leadership conference in 2008: "With the proper effort, it really isn't that hard to keep your default rate low!" "[Default rates] are intended to measure the quality of an institution and whether it is worthy of taxpayer investment in students attending there.

Huffington Post

All it requires is seriousness and proper effort.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a proper effort" when you want to emphasize that an attempt is not just any attempt, but one that meets a certain standard of quality, diligence, or appropriateness. For instance, use it to convey the idea that a task requires more than a half-hearted approach.

Common error

Don't use "a proper effort" when simply indicating that effort is needed. It implies a standard; so, avoid using it when just any kind of exertion will suffice. Use it only when the effort must be of a certain caliber.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a proper effort" functions as a noun phrase, where "proper" modifies "effort". It describes the type of effort being made, implying it meets a certain standard. Ludwig AI confirms it's usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Science & Research

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a proper effort" is a grammatically sound and usable English expression that emphasizes the need for an adequate, appropriate, and high-quality attempt. Ludwig AI confirms this, and it's supported by examples from reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian. While relatively rare, its use is appropriate when you want to convey that more than a simple attempt is required. Related phrases include "an adequate attempt" and "a genuine endeavor". Avoid using it when simply indicating that effort is needed, as it implies a standard that must be met.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an honest effort

Highlights the integrity and lack of deception in the attempt.

a genuine endeavor

Focuses on the sincerity and authenticity of the attempt.

an adequate attempt

Emphasizes that the attempt meets a minimum requirement or expectation.

a real attempt

Stresses the genuineness and sincerity of the effort, implying it's not superficial.

a suitable endeavor

Focuses on the appropriateness of the endeavor rather than the intensity of the attempt.

a conscientious try

Highlights the diligence and care put into the attempt.

a fitting undertaking

Highlights the appropriateness of the undertaking in relation to a specific goal or context.

a respectable try

Suggests the attempt is worthy of admiration and consideration.

a legitimate try

Indicates the validity and justification of the attempt, suggesting it's well-founded.

an appropriate measure

Shifts the focus from effort to the suitability of an action or step taken.

FAQs

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

You can use "a proper effort" to emphasize that a task requires a high-quality and appropriate attempt. For example, "Achieving success demands "a proper effort" from every team member".

What are some alternatives to "a proper effort"?

Alternatives include "an adequate attempt", "a genuine endeavor", or "an honest effort". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct: "a proper effort" or "a suitable effort"?

Both "a proper effort" and "a suitable effort" are correct, but they have slightly different connotations. "A proper effort" implies that the effort meets certain standards, while "a suitable effort" suggests the effort is appropriate for the situation.

What's the difference between "a proper effort" and "a significant effort"?

"A proper effort" emphasizes the quality and appropriateness of the attempt, whereas "a significant effort" highlights the magnitude or intensity of the attempt. They are similar, but not interchangeable.