best efforts

USAGE SUMMARY

"best efforts" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used when referring to someone's attempt to do something. For example, "He made his best efforts to arrive on time, but he was still late."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She's dying despite our best efforts".

The New York Times

Despite their best efforts, the site crashed.

The New Yorker

Others are "best efforts," "reasonable best efforts," and "reasonable efforts".

The New York Times

Despite best efforts, outbursts happen.

The Washington Post

Even our best efforts can't do that.

The New York Times - Magazine

They deserve my best efforts to respond.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Yet its best efforts are failing.

The New York Times

Roma, despite their best efforts, were champions.

The Guardian - Sport

Despite our best efforts, diets inevitably fail.

The Washington Post

Here we look at some of the best efforts.

Independent

There, the nation's ambition found him despite his best efforts.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "best efforts" in contracts or agreements, clearly define what constitutes "best efforts" to avoid ambiguity and potential disputes.

Common error

Avoid implying a guarantee of success when using "best efforts". It signifies a commitment to try diligently, not an assurance of a specific outcome.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "best efforts" functions as a noun phrase often used as an object of a preposition (e.g., "despite our best efforts") or as a subject complement. As Ludwig AI indicates, it describes an attempt to achieve a positive result.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

18%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "best efforts" is a common noun phrase used to describe a good-faith attempt to achieve a goal. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and appropriateness in written English. It is widely used across various domains, particularly in news and media, as shown by Ludwig examples, but is versatile enough to appear in academic and scientific writings. When employing the term, ensure that you clarify the scope within the specific context, especially in contractual agreements, and avoid implying a guarantee of success. Alternatives such as "utmost effort" or "greatest endeavor" can be used to convey a similar meaning, each with subtle differences in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

utmost effort

Emphasizes the maximum level of exertion and dedication.

greatest endeavor

Highlights the ambition and scale of the undertaking.

most diligent attempt

Focuses on the careful and persistent nature of the try.

earnest attempt

Stresses the sincerity and seriousness of the try.

determined endeavor

Indicates resolve and firmness of purpose in the attempt.

strenuous attempt

Highlights the vigorous and taxing nature of the effort.

conscientious effort

Shows a thoughtful and thorough attempt with careful attention.

all one's power

Highlights the maximum strength someone has in the effort

complete dedication

Underlines total devotion towards something.

every possible means

Indicates the usage of all resources and methods available.

FAQs

How can I use "best efforts" in a sentence?

You can use "best efforts" to describe someone's attempts to achieve something. For example, "Despite their "utmost effort", the team could not win the game."

What are some alternatives to "best efforts"?

Alternatives to "best efforts" include "utmost effort", "greatest endeavor", or "most diligent attempt". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "make best efforts" or "give best efforts"?

While both are understandable, "make "utmost effort"" is the more common and grammatically sound choice.

What does "best efforts" mean in a legal context?

In a legal context, "best efforts" typically means a party must act diligently and in good faith to achieve a specific goal, though it doesn't guarantee success. It implies a higher standard than reasonable efforts.