best effort

USAGE SUMMARY

'best effort' is a perfectly acceptable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe an attempt to achieve something that may or may not be successful: "He made his best effort to complete the task, but was ultimately unsuccessful."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Best effort (BE), in which the VNO is served in the pure best effort approach.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Best Effort (BE), in which the VNO is served in a pure best effort way.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

"That wasn't our best effort.

The New Yorker

They want your best effort.

The New York Times - Sports

"Was that our best effort?

The New York Times - Sports

I tried and gave my best effort.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

(d) The best-effort data.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

The BE supports best-effort data streams.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

We propose a best-effort sensing policy defined as follows.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

a Best-effort applications, b real-time applications.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

However, those mechanisms are unfeasible in a best-effort network.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "best effort" when you want to convey that you are trying as hard as possible, even if the outcome is uncertain.

Common error

Don't assume that promising "best effort" guarantees a successful outcome. It only implies a commitment to try wholeheartedly, not necessarily to achieve the desired result.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "best effort" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often used as the object of a verb (e.g., 'make', 'give', 'put forth'). It signifies the degree of commitment and energy applied to a task, as Ludwig's examples demonstrate.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Academia

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "best effort" is a versatile phrase used to express a commitment to trying as hard as possible, without guaranteeing a specific result. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely applicable. Its usage spans across diverse contexts, including News & Media and Science, with varying degrees of formality. When using this phrase, remember that it implies dedication and intent, but not necessarily a successful outcome. Consider using synonyms like "utmost effort" or "maximum effort" to tailor the tone to your specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

utmost effort

Replaces "best" with "utmost", emphasizing the highest possible degree of effort.

maximum effort

Substitutes "best" with "maximum", highlighting the greatest amount of effort exerted.

fullest extent of one's ability

Expresses the idea of using all available skills and resources to try to achieve something.

all one's might

Replaces "effort" with "might", conveying the idea of using all one's strength and power.

one's level best

Emphasizes trying as hard as one possibly can.

everything one has

Implies giving all available resources, energy, and skills to achieve a goal.

all-out attempt

Highlights the comprehensive and intensive nature of the attempt.

a determined attempt

Focuses on the resolute and unwavering nature of the effort.

strenuous endeavor

Emphasizes the demanding and rigorous nature of the effort.

most diligent attempt

Highlights the careful and persevering nature of the effort.

FAQs

How can I use the phrase "best effort" in a sentence?

You can use "best effort" to describe the level of commitment someone is giving to a task. For example, "We will make our "utmost effort" to complete the project on time, but there are no guarantees".

What's the difference between "best effort" and "guaranteed result"?

"Best effort" implies a strong attempt but doesn't promise success, while "guaranteed result" commits to a specific outcome regardless of the effort required. Promising the "fullest extent of one's ability" does not mean an issue will be resolved.

Which is correct: "make a best effort" or "make best effort"?

"Make a best effort" is the correct phrasing. The article 'a' is necessary because you are making 'an' effort. You can say, for instance, I will put in "maximum effort".

What can I say instead of "best effort" to sound more formal?

In a more formal context, consider using phrases like "utmost effort", "diligent attempt", or "strenuous endeavor" to add a more professional tone. A "determined attempt" would also be a valid alternative.