active effort

USAGE SUMMARY

'active effort' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to a conscious and determined attempt to make progress in a particular area. For example, "My success in school was due to my active effort in studying and preparing for my exams."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

This difference was not entirely explained by participation in supervised walking, indicating an active effort by many patients of this group to increase physical activity.

Diabetes Care

That requires an active effort.

The Guardian

So there's an active effort to limit toll fraud".

The New York Times

We need to make an active effort to cultivate this type of collaboration and teamwork.

The New York Times

Find something that the child is crazy about but that requires active effort.

The New York Times

It takes an active effort to resist the impulse to silence the jerks who have wounded you.

The New Yorker

"While there is a push to pass these discriminatory bills, there is also a very active effort to stop them.

The New York Times

He was not dominant, but he was not bad, recording 10 points and 9 rebounds in an active effort.

The New York Times - Sports

"As the numbers detailed above illustrate plainly," the report said, "'not knowing' about police abuse in Chicago requires a great deal of active effort".

The New York Times

Professor Charlie Wagner may be seen on the sidewalk before his studio at 11 Chatham Square in an active effort to pull in customers.

The New Yorker

The program entails submission to an enlightened teacher and active effort on the part of the student through reciting prayers and visualizing during meditation.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "active effort" to underscore a conscious and intentional approach to achieving a goal. It highlights the deliberate nature of the actions taken.

Common error

Avoid using "active effort" when describing passive or unintentional actions. Ensure the context clearly indicates a deliberate and purposeful undertaking.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "active effort" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "active" modifies "effort", emphasizing the intentional and energetic nature of the endeavor. Ludwig confirms its usability, showing frequent occurrences across different contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "active effort" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that emphasizes the importance of intentional and sustained action. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears commonly across news, scientific, and general informational sources. When writing, consider alternative phrases like "concerted effort" or "determined attempt" to add nuance. Avoid using it in passive contexts, ensuring the phrase accurately reflects deliberate action. By understanding its function and context, you can effectively use "active effort" to highlight the significance of conscious engagement in achieving goals.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

concerted effort

Emphasizes a joint or collaborative attempt, often implying a higher degree of organization.

determined attempt

Highlights the resolve and purposefulness behind the action.

vigorous attempt

Suggests an attempt characterized by energy and force.

earnest endeavor

Conveys sincerity and seriousness in the undertaking.

diligent approach

Highlights the steadiness and thoroughness in the way something is handled.

proactive measure

Implies taking action in anticipation of future events.

purposeful action

Focuses on the intentionality and goal-oriented nature of the activity.

focused initiative

Indicates a concentrated and targeted approach.

resolute endeavor

Emphasizes the firmness and unwavering commitment to the task.

dedicated pursuit

Highlights the commitment and devotion applied to achieving a specific goal.

FAQs

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

You can use "active effort" to describe a situation where someone is consciously and intentionally working towards a goal. For example, "Success requires "active effort" and dedication".

What are some alternatives to "active effort"?

Some alternatives to "active effort" include "concerted effort", "determined attempt", or "diligent approach", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "active effort" and "passive effort"?

"Active effort" implies a deliberate and intentional action, while "passive effort" (though less common) might suggest an indirect or less forceful approach. The former emphasizes conscious engagement, while the latter does not.

What kind of situations call for an "active effort"?

"Active effort" is suitable in situations where overcoming obstacles or achieving significant goals requires deliberate and sustained action, unlike tasks achievable through routine or minimal exertion.