a sheer effort

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sheer effort" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an action or task that requires a significant amount of determination or exertion. Example: "Completing the marathon was a sheer effort, but the sense of accomplishment made it worthwhile."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The greatest heroes can be those who defeat the monsters inside themselves, those who, as Emily Dickinson puts it, "grow accustomed to the Dark" and defeat it through a sheer effort of will.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

On a night when style was at a premium and sheer effort ruled the contest, visiting fly-half Aled Thomas's three penalties to opposite number Rhys Patchell's brace proved the difference.

BBC

Why the others agree to join him, on his lurch down memory lane, is never quite explained, but we sympathize; growling below the chirpy surface of the film is a sense that respectability is not just a front but a drag — that the sheer effort involved in being an adult can sometimes be too much to bear.

The New Yorker

If there was an award for sheer effort in the service of the older action star, then Nicolas Cage would run away with it, in slow-motion, while something explodes.

The Guardian - Film

But I learned a lot from the sheer effort of writing it: how to make a scene, how to keep a writing schedule, how to say no when people try to distract you from your schedule, how to write dialogue.

Vice

It was about the public money poured into the sheer effort by a government determined to explore beyond the bounds of earth, now that every corner of the globe was known.

The Guardian

A bigger obstacle may be the sheer effort that this assignment entails.

The New York Times

The belief that a person can reinvent himself through sheer effort is indigenous — or at least that's the theory behind "Reflections".

The New York Times - Arts

But as a mode of theatre-going the sheer effort required in investing in multiple disconnected narratives can take its toll – not least because intensity is integral to the form and back-to-back intensity can pall.

The Guardian

She always knew she would take a mini-moon followed by a second, more-elaborate trip because of the sheer effort involved in planning her 500-guest wedding.

The New York Times

Within the journey, from the lowest rung of baseball to the cusp of the highest, is a trajectory familiar to all who started at the absolute bottom of their profession and, through sheer effort, will and an obsessive single-mindedness, worked their way to the top.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a sheer effort" when you want to emphasize the magnitude of the work or determination required to achieve something. It's effective in highlighting the challenging aspects of a task.

Common error

Avoid using "a sheer effort" in situations where the effort is minimal or expected. This phrase is best reserved for instances requiring considerable exertion or willpower.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sheer effort" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. According to Ludwig AI, it describes something that demands substantial exertion or determination.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a sheer effort" is a grammatically sound and effective way to express that a task required a significant amount of energy, determination, or willpower. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While not extremely common, it's suitable for both formal and informal contexts, with a tendency to appear more frequently in news and media. Alternative phrases such as "a considerable endeavor" or "a tremendous undertaking" can be used to achieve a similar effect, providing options for varied writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a considerable endeavor

Emphasizes the scale and ambition of the effort involved.

a significant exertion

Focuses on the physical or mental energy expended.

a tremendous undertaking

Highlights the challenging and demanding nature of the task.

a mighty struggle

Suggests a difficult and contentious effort.

an all-out push

Conveys a sense of maximum effort and determination.

a determined attempt

Highlights the resolve and purpose behind the effort.

a Herculean task

Implies an effort of immense scale and difficulty, referencing the mythical hero Hercules.

a concentrated endeavor

Emphasizes the focus and intensity of the effort.

an intense application

Focuses on the dedicated and rigorous nature of the effort.

a supreme effort

Suggests the highest possible level of exertion.

FAQs

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

You can use "a sheer effort" to emphasize the amount of work or determination needed for a task. For example, "Completing this project required "a sheer effort" from the entire team".

What's a good alternative to "a sheer effort"?

Alternatives include "a considerable endeavor", "a significant exertion", or "a tremendous undertaking", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "sheer effort" or "great effort"?

"Sheer effort" emphasizes the magnitude and purity of the effort itself, while "great effort" simply indicates a large amount of effort. The choice depends on whether you want to stress the intensity or just the quantity of the effort involved.

Can "sheer effort" be used in both formal and informal contexts?

"Sheer effort" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although it might be more commonly found in formal writing or speech where precise and impactful language is preferred.