belated effort

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "belated effort" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an action or attempt that is made later than expected or after the appropriate time has passed. Example: "Her belated effort to apologize for her mistake was appreciated, even if it came too late."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

This represented a magnificent, if belated, effort.

The Guardian - Sport

Mr. Banga's hiring was a bold, though perhaps belated, effort by MasterCard's board to change all that.

The New York Times

Under state order, Texas Brine has mounted a broad, though some say belated, effort to pump gas out of sandy underground layers where it has spread.

The New York Times

In the early 1900s, officials like Zhang Zhidong were allowed to carry out a full-scale reform effort, but it was a piecemeal, belated effort.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The company deserves credit for boosting its wireless data revenues and for taking the bold if controversial move of scrapping all-you-can-eat data plans and replacing them with tiered rates based on usage a belated effort to relieve pressure on its overloaded network.But over time such moves may do little more than offset the impact of vanishing landlines and more sluggish growth in mobiles.

The Economist

But this belated effort to bring the automaker’s brand schizophrenia under control is too little too late.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

The belated efforts to keep Senator James Jeffords of Vermont in the Republican Party were botched on two levels.

The New York Times

Labour's belated efforts to tighten the screw will be counter-productive, warned Tories: "The horse has bolted.

The Guardian

While their belated efforts are a welcome approach to New York development, their plans don't go far enough.

The New York Times

Drawn mostly from the museum's collection, the show parallels recent and belated efforts by the Museum of Modern Art, among other museums, to highlight art made by women.

The New York Times - Arts

Some analysts had wondered whether Congress's belated efforts to roll out welfare schemes in the state might have helped to protect against too bad a mauling.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "belated effort", ensure the context clearly indicates why the effort was delayed and what the implications of the delay are. This adds depth and clarity to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "belated effort" when the timing isn't relevant to the situation. If the timing of the effort doesn't affect the outcome or perception, a simpler term like "effort" or "attempt" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "belated effort" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "belated" modifies the noun "effort". This describes an action or attempt that is undertaken later than expected or desired. Ludwig confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Encyclopedias

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "belated effort" describes an attempt or action that is delayed, often implying criticism or regret. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is usable and correct in written English. It is most commonly found in news and media, encyclopedia, and science contexts. When considering using "belated effort", writers should think about the importance of timing and what it adds to the sentence's meaning. Alternative phrases like "late attempt" or "delayed endeavor", may be more fitting depending on the message. While often used to convey negative undertones, it's important to remember that even a late effort is better than no effort at all.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

late attempt

Focuses on the lateness of the attempt itself.

delayed endeavor

Emphasizes the postponement of the undertaking.

tardy exertion

Highlights the slowness or delay in applying effort.

overdue action

Stresses that the action should have been taken earlier.

last-minute measure

Implies the action was taken very close to a deadline or critical moment.

eleventh-hour initiative

Similar to last-minute measure, suggesting a very late start.

coming late to the game

An idiomatic expression indicating joining an activity after it has already begun.

a day late and a dollar short

Highlights not only the lateness but also the inadequacy of the effort.

too little, too late

Expresses the insufficiency and lateness of an action.

better late than never

Expresses that even though an effort is late, it is still better than not doing it at all.

FAQs

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

"Belated effort" typically describes an action taken after the optimal or expected time. For example, "The company's belated effort to address customer complaints came only after a significant drop in sales."

What phrases are similar to "belated effort"?

Alternatives to "belated effort" include "late attempt", "delayed endeavor", or "overdue action". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always negative to describe something as a "belated effort"?

While often carrying a negative connotation due to the implication of delay, a "belated effort" can also be seen as positive if it eventually leads to a favorable outcome, even if it was late in coming. It depends on the overall context.

What's the difference between "belated effort" and simply "effort"?

The addition of "belated" emphasizes that the effort was made later than it should have been, adding a layer of meaning related to timing that is absent when only "effort" is used. Consider this when deciding whether or not the timing is relevant.