a real effort

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a real effort" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize the sincerity or intensity of an attempt or endeavor. Example: "She put in a real effort to complete the project on time, staying late every night to ensure everything was perfect."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Bouton makes a real effort, too.

The New York Times - Books

We've been making a real effort to do that.

Harvard University

The Mauritanian authorities have made a real effort.

The Guardian

(Mubarak appears entrenched; Libya is seen making a real effort).

The New Yorker

I've made a real effort to break this bad habit.

The Washington Post

WANDERING THE VILLAGE We have been making a real effort to check out our new neighborhood.

The New York Times

Did it make a real effort to find a compromise with Turkey, which sanctioned the flotilla?

The New York Times

Japan is finally, finally making a real effort to escape from its deflation trap.

The New York Times

It was a real effort to jerk my mind back to the game.

The New York Times - Magazine

"There seemed to be a real effort to remove our profit," Mr. Metts recalls.

The New York Times

He made a real effort to be one of the boys".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a real effort" to emphasize the dedication and seriousness behind an action or attempt. For instance, 'The team made "a real effort" to meet the deadline, working tirelessly through the night.'

Common error

Avoid overusing "real" in your writing, as it can sometimes weaken the impact of your sentences. Instead of saying 'They showed "a real effort",' consider more descriptive alternatives like 'They demonstrated significant dedication' to enhance the impact and clarity of your message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a real effort" functions as a noun phrase, where "real" modifies "effort" to emphasize its genuineness or intensity. Ludwig confirms this usage with numerous examples demonstrating its common application in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Academia

11%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a real effort" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to emphasize the sincerity and intensity of an attempt or endeavor. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is correct across various contexts, primarily in News & Media. While alternatives like "a genuine attempt" or "a sincere endeavor" exist, "a real effort" effectively conveys dedication and commitment. Remember to use "real" purposefully to enhance your writing and avoid redundancy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a genuine attempt

Emphasizes the sincerity and authenticity of the attempt.

a sincere endeavor

Highlights the earnestness and dedication involved in the effort.

a determined push

Focuses on the resolve and forcefulness of the effort.

a considerable exertion

Stresses the amount of energy and work expended.

a notable attempt

Highlights the significance and visibility of the attempt.

a substantial undertaking

Emphasizes the scale and importance of the effort.

a major initiative

Focuses on the proactive and strategic nature of the effort.

a vigorous pursuit

Highlights the active and energetic nature of the effort.

an earnest try

Emphasizes the honesty and seriousness of the attempt.

a committed approach

Highlights the dedication and focus in the way the task is approached.

FAQs

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

Use "a real effort" to highlight the sincerity and intensity of an attempt or endeavor. For example, "She made "a real effort" to improve her grades by studying every day" shows dedication and commitment.

What are some alternatives to "a real effort"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "a genuine attempt", "a sincere endeavor", or "a determined push" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it grammatically correct to say "a real effort"?

Yes, it's grammatically correct. "Real" is used as an adjective to emphasize the noun "effort", indicating a genuine and considerable attempt.

What's the difference between "a real effort" and "a serious effort"?

While both phrases are similar, "a real effort" emphasizes the genuineness and sincerity of the attempt, whereas "a serious effort" highlights the level of importance and dedication given to the task.