an effort to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an effort to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are expressing the idea of trying or attempting to do something. For example: "She made an effort to stay positive amidst all the uncertainty."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's an effort to stand up straight.

The New Yorker

She's making an effort to be charitable.

The Guardian

"This is not an effort to 'conquer'conquer

The Guardian

In an effort to remain there, they gorged more.

The Economist

Cavett makes an effort to eschew cliches and formulas.

The New Yorker

There is also an effort to tap geothermal energy.

The Economist

Lesbians are raped in an effort to "correct" their sexuality.

The Economist

Or it's simply an effort to sell more insurance.

The New York Times

"Don't read into this an effort to force America's hand".

The New York Times

Certainly, an effort to be consistent may be there.

The New York Times - Food

Cristiano made an effort to play.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an effort to" to clearly state the intention behind an action, ensuring the purpose is easily understood by the reader.

Common error

Avoid excessive use of nominalizations like "effort". Instead, opt for more direct verb phrases when possible to create more concise and impactful sentences. For example, instead of "making an effort to improve", try "improving".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an effort to" functions as a purpose connector, indicating the reason or aim behind an action. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in various contexts, from personal endeavors to global initiatives. It sets up the intention that follows.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an effort to" is a versatile phrase used to introduce the purpose behind an action. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and commonly used across various writing styles. While alternatives exist, such as "an attempt to" or "aiming to", understanding the nuances of each can enhance your writing precision. Remember to balance its use with more direct verb phrases for conciseness. The phrase's presence across diverse sources—from news outlets like The New York Times and The Guardian to scientific journals and wikis—underscores its broad applicability. By following the best practices and avoiding common errors, you can effectively incorporate "an effort to" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an attempt to

Replaces "effort" with "attempt", indicating a try or endeavor.

trying to

A simpler and more direct way of expressing the intention to do something.

making an attempt to

More verbose construction that still refers to doing something

striving to

Uses a verb form to emphasize the action of trying hard.

endeavoring to

A more formal synonym for "trying", suggesting a serious or determined effort.

seeking to

Highlights the act of looking for or aiming to achieve something.

aiming to

Focuses on the intention or purpose of the action.

working towards

Emphasizes the process and progress of achieving a goal.

in pursuit of

Highlights the goal-oriented aspect of the action.

with the goal of

Emphasizes the objective or desired outcome.

FAQs

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

Use "an effort to" to indicate the purpose or intention behind an action. For example, "The company launched a new campaign in "an effort to" increase sales."

What are some alternatives to "an effort to"?

Alternatives include "an attempt to", "striving to", or "aiming to", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "an effort to" or "in an effort to"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct and convey the same meaning. The choice between them often depends on stylistic preference and the flow of the sentence. "In "an effort to"" might be used to introduce a longer explanation.

When is it more appropriate to use a more direct verb phrase instead of "an effort to"?

Using a more direct verb phrase can make your writing more concise and impactful. For example, instead of "making "an effort to" improve", you can simply say "improving". This is especially useful when the effort is already implied.