an effort

USAGE SUMMARY

'an effort' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the act of making an attempt to achieve something. For example, "John put in an effort to finish the report on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Every movement was an effort.

The New Yorker

Such an effort could be highly effective.

The New Yorker

It was an effort tinged with desperation.

The New York Times - Sports

Christopher gathered himself together with an effort.

The New Yorker

So everybody has to make an effort.

The New York Times

They were at least making an effort.

Independent

But the couple did make an effort.

The New York Times - Arts

Everybody has to make an effort, right?

The New York Times

It's quite an effort.

The Guardian - Books

He makes an effort.

The Guardian - Film

But what an effort!

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an effort" to describe a specific instance of attempting something, especially when highlighting the energy or resources expended.

Common error

Avoid using "effort" as a vague term. Instead of saying "He put in an effort", specify what actions he took: "He researched the topic thoroughly and contacted several experts".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an effort" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It refers to a specific attempt or exertion of energy towards achieving a goal. Ludwig confirms the correct usage of the phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

35%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an effort" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that denotes the act of trying to achieve a goal. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is considered correct. It's most prevalent in news, wiki, and science related content. While versatile, avoid vagueness by specifying the actions behind the "effort". Consider using alternatives like "an attempt" or "an endeavor" to fine-tune your expression. Remember to use "an" before "effort" because it starts with a vowel sound.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an attempt

Focuses more directly on the act of trying to do something.

an endeavor

Implies a more serious or sustained attempt.

a try

More informal way to refer to making an attempt.

an undertaking

Suggests a commitment to a specific goal.

a struggle

Highlights the difficulty involved in the attempt.

a venture

Conveys a sense of risk or uncertainty in the attempt.

a labor

Emphasizes the work or toil involved.

a stab

Informal way to express a quick or inexpert attempt.

a shot

Informal, implying a chance or opportunity.

a measure

Suggests a specific action taken to achieve a goal.

FAQs

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

You can use "an effort" to describe the act of trying to achieve something. For example, "Making "an effort" to improve your grades is crucial for academic success".

What can I say instead of "an effort"?

You can use alternatives like "an attempt", "an endeavor", or "a try" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "an effort" or "a effort"?

"An effort" is correct. The indefinite article "an" is used before words that begin with a vowel sound.

What's the difference between "an effort" and "hard work"?

"An effort" refers to a specific instance of trying, while "hard work" describes sustained and diligent activity over time.