a welcome effort

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a welcome effort" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express appreciation or approval for someone's attempt or initiative in a particular context. Example: "The community's response to the crisis was a welcome effort that brought everyone together."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

This is a welcome effort.

The New York Times

A welcome effort is under way to change that.

The New York Times

But the project reflects a welcome effort to move jail policy beyond simply building cells.

The New York Times

Development secretary Justine Greening's emergency audit of her department's spending could be a welcome effort to bring some transparency to the grey world of development consultancy.

The Guardian - Opinion

They are part of a welcome effort to make statistical measures give a more credible picture of a modern economy, as well as to improve international comparability.

The Guardian - Opinion

It may be a difficult case to prove, but the complaint filed last month by the National Labor Relations Board against Boeing is a welcome effort to defend workers' right to collective bargaining.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

And while Lionel Shriver's new novel, "So Much for That," may not be quite powerful enough to do the trick, it is the first to try, and a brave and welcome effort.

The New York Times - Health

In an overdue but welcome effort to protect Afghan civilians from errant airstrikes, one of General McChrystal's first acts in command was to impose strict new limits on air attacks except when needed to protect American and allied troops.

The New York Times

These represent potentially important research opportunities for the community and we welcome efforts towards an improved understanding of their functions.

BMC Systems Biology

However, such welcome efforts remain unusual.

Independent

In their defense, Republicans say they welcome efforts to reduce spending.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "a welcome effort" with specific reasons why the effort is considered welcome. For instance, "a welcome effort to reduce carbon emissions" provides more context.

Common error

While "a welcome effort" is generally acceptable, avoid using it excessively in very formal documents like legal contracts or academic papers where more precise or sophisticated language may be preferred. Consider alternatives like "a significant contribution" or "a noteworthy initiative" in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a welcome effort" functions as an adjective phrase modifying the noun 'effort'. It expresses approval or positive reception towards a particular action or attempt. As seen in the Ludwig examples, it frequently preceeds a description of the effort's purpose or impact.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a welcome effort" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to convey approval or support for a particular action or initiative. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable in written English. While it may be replaced by alternatives such as "a positive step" or "a valuable contribution" depending on the specific nuance, its primary function is to express appreciation. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it maintains a neutral register, making it suitable for various writing purposes. When employing this phrase, it is advisable to provide clear context and specific reasons for the appreciation to enhance clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a commendable endeavor

Replaces 'effort' with 'endeavor', suggesting a more significant or ambitious undertaking.

a positive step

Shifts the focus to progress, highlighting the action as a move in a favorable direction.

a heartening attempt

Emphasizes the encouraging or uplifting nature of the attempt.

a gratifying initiative

Highlights the satisfying or pleasing nature of the initiative taken.

a promising approach

Focuses on the potential success or effectiveness of the method being used.

a valuable contribution

Emphasizes the worth or importance of what has been provided or achieved.

an appreciated gesture

Highlights the act as one of goodwill or kindness that is well-received.

a favored enterprise

Implies approval and support for a specific project or undertaking.

a laudable action

Emphasizes the praiseworthiness of the deed or action taken.

a well-received move

Focuses on the positive reception or acceptance of the action.

FAQs

What does "a welcome effort" mean?

It means an action or attempt that is regarded with pleasure or approval, usually because it addresses a problem or fulfills a need.

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

You can say, "The new policy is "a welcome effort" to improve environmental standards" or "The company's investment in employee training is "a welcome effort" to boost productivity."

What are some alternatives to saying "a welcome effort"?

Some alternatives include "a commendable attempt", "a positive step", or "a valuable contribution", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

Yes, it is generally acceptable, but consider the specific context. In highly formal or academic writing, more precise terms like "a significant contribution" or "a noteworthy initiative" might be more suitable.