a reasonable effort

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a reasonable effort" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a level of effort that is considered fair or acceptable in a given context. Example: "The company is committed to making a reasonable effort to reduce its carbon footprint over the next five years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Rooney curls a reasonable effort wide.

The Guardian - Sport

Defining a "reasonable" effort is up to the bureau.

The New York Times

Richard Blanco's inaugural poem for President Obama this January was quite a reasonable effort.

Independent

Shaw does not make a reasonable effort to avoid such contact".

The New York Times

Big software companies make a reasonable effort to remain backward-compatible.

The New York Times

"I thought it was a reasonable effort," Ponting said in the post-match presentation.

The Guardian - Sport

The benign-sounding phrase, some argue, is a reasonable effort at balance.

The New York Times

Hunters are required to make a reasonable effort to retrieve all killed or crippled birds.

The New York Times

The winger feinted past Finonchenko before sending a reasonable effort wide.

The Guardian - Sport

If a religious practice does nothing to harm others, then airlines should make a reasonable effort to accommodate it.

The New York Times - Magazine

Owner/author will make a reasonable effort to use recommended file formats to maximize likelihood of preservation.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider replacing “a reasonable effort” with a more descriptive phrase when the level of effort is noteworthy. This can enhance the impact and precision of your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "a reasonable effort" without specifying what actions were taken. Readers may interpret 'reasonable' differently, leading to ambiguity. Provide concrete examples of the effort made.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a reasonable effort" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the object of a verb (e.g., 'make a reasonable effort'). It describes the degree to which someone tries to achieve a particular outcome. Ludwig AI confirms this is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Academia

30%

Science

31%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a reasonable effort" is a versatile and commonly used phrase that describes an attempt considered acceptable or sufficient in a given situation. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's correct usage in written English. It's frequently found in News & Media, Academic and Scientific contexts, indicating its applicability across diverse domains. When using this phrase, it's important to provide specific details about the actions taken to avoid ambiguity and ensure that the effort aligns with the expectations of the context. Consider alternatives like "a good-faith attempt" or "a diligent endeavor" for a more formal or emphatic tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a good-faith attempt

Emphasizes sincerity and honesty in the attempt.

a diligent endeavor

Highlights the thoroughness and persistence of the effort.

a conscientious undertaking

Stresses the carefulness and responsibility involved.

an earnest try

Focuses on the sincerity and seriousness of the attempt.

a fair shot

Suggests an equitable opportunity to make an attempt.

a genuine stab

Indicates a sincere, though possibly imperfect, attempt.

a viable attempt

Focuses on whether or not the attempt is actually possible or realistic.

an adequate measure

Emphasizes the sufficiency of the attempt to meet a particular need or requirement.

a suitable action

Focuses on the appropriateness of the action taken in a specific circumstance.

a credible effort

Highlights that the attempt is likely or believable.

FAQs

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

You can use "a reasonable effort" to describe the level of attempt someone makes to achieve a goal, like in the sentence "The company made "a reasonable effort" to reduce its carbon emissions".

What's a more formal alternative to "a reasonable effort"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "a good-faith attempt" or "a diligent endeavor" instead of "a reasonable effort".

Which is correct, "a reasonable effort" or "an reasonable effort"?

"A reasonable effort" is correct. The article "a" is used because "reasonable" begins with a consonant sound.

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

"A reasonable effort" implies an acceptable level of attempt under the circumstances, while "a serious effort" suggests a more dedicated and intense attempt.