an excessive effort

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an excessive effort" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an effort that is more than what is necessary or reasonable in a given context. Example: "The team put in an excessive effort to meet the deadline, which ultimately led to burnout."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Senator Robert C. Byrd, the West Virginia Democrat who stands constant guard over Congressional prerogatives, chided his colleagues today for avoiding debate on serious issues in what he called an excessive effort to seem united after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

The New York Times

Unfortunately this approach requires an excessive effort; therefore, it is rarely pursued by the designer.

Acta Astronautica

This, however, would imply an excessive effort for the neuron, in generating and maintaining the different targeting machineries.

EMBO Journal

A plausible explanation is that the use of AWS enabled intubations without an excessive effort to achieve a direct line of sight.

BMJ Open

An excessive effort towards equivalence may be detrimental for comprehensibility.

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Fatigue is often experienced as a result of excessive effort expended in managing the distressing fear.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Also, shifting gears in some 2009-12 Expeditions, F-150 pickups and Lincoln Navigators may require excessive effort in cold weather.

The New York Times

Muscle fatigue would occur when the intended physical activity can no longer be continued or is perceived as involving excessive effort and discomfort.

Neuromuscular Disorders

Any excessive effort to bring it into focus will not be successful and continuing to make that effort can cause a misalignment in the tension of the rectus muscles.

Medical Hypotheses

These data suggest that HFNC could effectively contribute to interrupt the post-extubation vicious circle of edema, excessive effort, lung injury and muscle fatigue, facilitating full recovery of lung function.

Annals of Intensive Care

On the contrary, the task motivation model assumes that students will most likely continue the activity if the first two task motivation phases proceed successfully, resulting in positive motivational retrospection even if the task requires excessive effort from the students.

Asian-Pacific Journal of Second and Foreign Language Education

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an excessive effort", ensure the context clearly indicates what constitutes the excess. Provide specific details about why the effort was more than necessary or expected.

Common error

Avoid using "an excessive effort" without explaining what the expected or reasonable amount of effort would have been. Quantify the excess to provide clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an excessive effort" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes an action or attempt characterized by being beyond what is necessary or reasonable, as supported by the Ludwig AI's analysis.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an excessive effort" is a noun phrase used to describe situations where more effort is exerted than necessary. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English. While grammatically sound, its frequency is relatively rare. The phrase's communicative purpose often involves critiquing inefficiency or questioning necessity. It appears in neutral registers like science and news. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly indicates why the effort was excessive, and avoid vague quantifications. Alternatives include "an undue burden" or "a disproportionate amount of work", depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an undue burden

This alternative highlights the unfair or inappropriate nature of the effort required.

an unreasonable exertion

This alternative focuses on the lack of rationality or justification for the effort.

a disproportionate amount of work

This alternative emphasizes the imbalance between the effort and the result or need.

a needless expenditure of energy

This phrase points out the lack of necessity for the energy spent.

an extravagant attempt

This alternative suggests a wasteful or overly elaborate approach.

an overzealous endeavor

This alternative indicates excessive enthusiasm or eagerness in the effort.

an inordinate attempt

This alternative highlights the excessive or disproportionate nature of the attempt.

a gratuitous undertaking

This phrase emphasizes the uncalled-for nature of the effort.

a wasteful enterprise

This alternative stresses the inefficient use of resources in the effort.

a superfluous action

This alternative focuses on the unnecessary nature of the action taken.

FAQs

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

You can use "an excessive effort" to describe a situation where more effort was expended than necessary or reasonable. For example: "The project required "an excessive effort" due to poor planning."

What are some alternatives to saying "an excessive effort"?

Alternatives include "an undue burden", "a disproportionate amount of work", or "an unreasonable exertion", depending on the specific context.

Is it always negative to describe something as "an excessive effort"?

Generally, yes. Describing something as "an excessive effort" usually implies that the effort was wasteful, unnecessary, or counterproductive. However, in some contexts, it could also highlight dedication or commitment, though this is less common.

What's the difference between "an excessive effort" and "a considerable effort"?

"An excessive effort" implies that too much effort was expended, while "a considerable effort" simply means that a significant amount of effort was put in, without necessarily implying it was too much.