a small effort

USAGE SUMMARY

"a small effort" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe any attempt to do something, especially when the attempt is not particularly difficult. For example: "With just a small effort, I was able to finish the project on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

The trip was a small effort by her standards.

The New York Times

This Article makes a small effort toward an alternate explanation of formalism in wills adjudication.

Harvard University

But the point is, a small effort could produce a continuing benefit for yourself and others.

The New York Times - Magazine

It's worth making a small effort to avoid becoming one of them.

The Guardian - Tech

"Mr. Sharma is making an important contribution, but it is still a small effort," Dr. Jain said.

The New York Times

What these doctors do to treat H.I.V. infection is a small effort against a huge worldwide problem.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

I promise, it's a smaller effort than your friend will have to make to fall in love.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Which, I ask you, is an easier mark for vote-stealers, the status quo or N.P.V.? Which offers thieves a better shot at success for a smaller effort?

The New Yorker

The other parts involved ambitious public-private investment funds to purchase asset-backed securities in the market, as well as a smaller effort to stem mortgage foreclosures.

Forbes

I've lived adjacent to the Flintridge area long enough to see the town lose a major bookstore and a smaller effort evolve away from books.

Los Angeles Times

The Japanese commanders were then forced to change their plans in the region, shifting their focus towards repelling the US forces that had landed on Guadalcanal, while maintaining a smaller effort around Buna Gona, under Major General Tomitarō Horii.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a small effort", consider the context. It is often used to emphasize that something can be achieved easily or without much difficulty. Use it to encourage action or highlight the simplicity of a task.

Common error

Avoid using "a small effort" when describing actions that require significant time, resources or dedication. This can mislead your audience and undermine the true complexity of the task.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a small effort" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "small" modifies the noun "effort". It typically acts as a subject or object within a sentence, describing the degree of exertion applied to a task. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a perfectly usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Science

16%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Academia

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a small effort" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe an action or task that requires minimal exertion. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media, Science and Wiki, it is often used to encourage action by highlighting the simplicity and ease of a task. Related phrases include "a modest attempt" and "a minor undertaking". When using "a small effort", it's important to ensure that the action genuinely requires minimal effort to avoid misleading the audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a modest attempt

Focuses on the humbleness or limited scope of the endeavor.

a slight endeavor

Highlights the small degree of energy or resources involved.

a minor undertaking

Emphasizes the scale and complexity of the action.

a little contribution

Focuses on the limited but potentially valuable input provided.

a minimal exertion

Stresses the reduced physical or mental energy required.

a basic step

Highlights the fundamental nature and relative ease of the action.

a simple measure

Emphasizes the uncomplicated and straightforward nature of the action.

a light touch

Implies gentleness and minimal intervention in a process.

a manageable task

Highlights the ease and feasibility of accomplishing the action.

a token gesture

Suggests the action is symbolic and might not have a significant impact.

FAQs

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

You can use "a small effort" to describe an action that doesn't require much work, for example: "With just "a small effort", you can make a big difference.".

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

You can use alternatives like "a modest attempt", "a minor undertaking", or "a minimal exertion" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "a small effort"?

Yes, "a small effort" is grammatically correct and commonly used to describe an action that doesn't require much work. Ludwig AI confirms this.

What's the difference between "a small effort" and "a large effort"?

"A small effort" implies that the task requires minimal exertion, while "a large effort" suggests that it will take significant time and energy.