an ambitious effort

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an ambitious effort" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a project or undertaking that requires significant determination, resources, or innovation to achieve a challenging goal. Example: "The team launched an ambitious effort to reduce carbon emissions by 50% over the next decade."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"This is an ambitious effort," he said.

The New York Times

It's an ambitious effort, carried out with simple clarity by this working band.

The New York Times

Now, an ambitious effort was under way to reverse the damage.

The New York Times

Emily's List is making an ambitious effort to make a science of politics.

The New York Times

It's an ambitious effort, carried out with simple clarity by this nine-piece working band.

The New York Times

This includes an ambitious effort to build the first zero-carbon, zero-waste city, Masdar City.

The Guardian

President Obama and European Union leaders kick-started an ambitious effort to negotiate a free-trade agreement.

The New York Times

But the city and state have undertaken an ambitious effort, buying up undeveloped parcels in hopes of keeping them wild.

The New York Times

Ms. Salvador has embarked on an ambitious effort to centralize the museum and bring it to the public.

The New York Times

The system, a $340 billion project, was an ambitious effort to modernize the Army with both manned and unmanned vehicles.

The New York Times - Science

CarsDirect.com, for example, started a year ago as an ambitious effort to buy cars from dealers and resell them nationwide.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an ambitious effort", ensure the context clearly demonstrates the challenging nature and significant scope of the undertaking. Provide specific details about the goals and resources involved to highlight its ambitious qualities.

Common error

Avoid using "an ambitious effort" to describe routine tasks or projects with easily achievable goals. This diminishes the impact of the phrase and can make your writing sound exaggerated.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an ambitious effort" functions as a noun phrase, with "ambitious" modifying the noun "effort". It typically serves as the subject or object of a sentence, describing a specific undertaking. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an ambitious effort" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to describe undertakings characterized by significant scale, challenging goals, and considerable resources. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and prevalence across various contexts, particularly in news, science, and business. While appropriate for formal and informal settings, its impact is most pronounced when describing projects that genuinely reflect ambition and scope. For writers, it's important to ensure that the described effort truly warrants the label of "ambitious" to maintain credibility and avoid overstatement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a grand undertaking

Emphasizes the scale and scope of the project.

a bold endeavor

Highlights the courage and risk involved.

a challenging initiative

Focuses on the difficulty and complexity.

a major enterprise

Stresses the importance and scale of the undertaking.

an extensive project

Highlights the breadth and reach of the project.

a significant undertaking

Emphasizes the importance and impact.

a sweeping initiative

Focuses on the broad scope and comprehensive nature.

a far-reaching scheme

Implies a broad impact and strategic planning.

a determined push

Stresses the resolve and effort involved.

a substantial venture

Highlights the investment and potential risk.

FAQs

How can I use "an ambitious effort" in a sentence?

Use "an ambitious effort" to describe a project that requires significant resources, innovation, and determination. For example: "The company launched "an ambitious effort" to reduce its carbon footprint."

What are some alternatives to "an ambitious effort"?

Alternatives include "a grand undertaking", "a bold endeavor", or "a challenging initiative". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is it okay to use "an ambitious effort" in formal writing?

Yes, "an ambitious effort" is suitable for formal writing, particularly when describing significant projects or initiatives in business, academic, or news contexts. The phrase conveys a sense of scale and importance.

What distinguishes "an ambitious effort" from a simple "effort"?

"An ambitious effort" implies a large scale, innovative or challenging project, whereas a simple "effort" can refer to any attempt to achieve a goal, regardless of its complexity or scope. The word "ambitious" adds significant weight and implies high aspirations.