a token effort

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a token effort" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe an action that is done to give the appearance of effort or compliance, but is not substantial or genuine. Example: "The company made a token effort to address employee concerns by holding a single meeting without any follow-up actions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

"This is not a token effort," he said.

The New York Times

Let me tell you: it was a token effort.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The rear seats are little more than a token effort, too, even for kids.

Independent

For now he seems to be making at least a token effort to mend ties.

The Economist

23 min: Mikel records Chelsea's first shot on target, a token effort from 35 yards.

The Guardian - Sport

Untrained in emergency procedures, the crew put up only a token effort to fight the fire.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

"The key is to make a small token effort to make up for missed sessions," says Helen.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

They view the commission as a largely token effort because those responsible for abuses committed during military rule remain shielded from prosecution by a 1979 amnesty law.

The New York Times

"A lot of people will make the token effort for a couple months, and then they revert back to being, quite frankly, a normal teenager," Frank Edgerly, the coach at Red Bank Catholic, said in a telephone interview.

The New York Times - Sports

Its token effort to find hope, in an interview with one Louisiana resident who has installed solar panels in his house, is feeble compared with its anger.

The New York Times

Having built up a head of rage, "The Big Fix" runs amok and loses its focus to become a blanket indictment of human greed and the international oil industry's stranglehold on politicians, who are compared to "cheap hookers". Its token effort to find hope, in an interview with one Louisiana resident who has installed solar panels in his house, is feeble compared with its anger.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider stronger alternatives if the context requires a more forceful critique of the lack of effort, such as "negligible attempt" or "superficial gesture".

Common error

Avoid using "a token effort" when you intend to describe a genuine but small-scale initiative. The phrase inherently implies insincerity or inadequacy, which can misrepresent the intent and impact of the action.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a token effort" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as an object or complement within a sentence. It describes the nature of an attempt or action, characterizing it as minimal or insincere. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and readily usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Encyclopedias

7%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a token effort" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe actions or attempts that are minimal, insincere, or inadequate. It often carries a critical tone, suggesting that more substantial action is required. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely used and understood across various contexts, particularly in news and media. When writing, it's crucial to ensure that the context aligns with the phrase's inherent implication of insincerity or inadequacy to avoid misrepresenting genuine, albeit small-scale, initiatives. Alternatives such as "superficial attempt" or "half-hearted attempt" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a superficial attempt

Emphasizes the lack of depth and thoroughness in the attempt.

a half-hearted attempt

Highlights the lack of enthusiasm or commitment in the effort.

a perfunctory gesture

Stresses the routine and impersonal nature of the action.

a minimal undertaking

Focuses on the small scale and limited scope of the activity.

a symbolic act

Highlights the action's primary function as a representation rather than a genuine effort.

a gesture of compliance

Emphasizes the action is mainly to show agreement without real commitment.

a nod to

Suggests a slight acknowledgement or recognition, often insincere.

lip service

Indicates insincere agreement or support expressed through words, not actions.

a mere formality

Highlights that the action is performed only to satisfy a requirement.

a cosmetic measure

Emphasizes that the action is intended to improve appearances without addressing underlying issues.

FAQs

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

You can use "a token effort" to describe actions that are insincere or insufficient, like: "The company made "a token effort" to address employee concerns."

What are some alternatives to "a token effort"?

Alternatives include "a superficial attempt", "a half-hearted attempt", or "a perfunctory gesture".

Is it appropriate to use "a token effort" in formal writing?

Yes, "a token effort" is appropriate in formal writing when you need to critically assess the adequacy of an action or initiative. However, consider the tone and whether a more direct critique would be more effective.

What does it mean when something is described as "a token effort"?

It means the action or attempt is minimal, often insincere, and does not fully address the underlying issue or need. It suggests the action is more symbolic than substantial.