desperate effort

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "desperate effort" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone is making a strong, urgent attempt to achieve something, often in a challenging or critical context. Example: "In a desperate effort to save the company, the CEO implemented drastic cost-cutting measures."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's a desperate effort by a desperate campaign".

The New York Times

"This sounds like a last-ditch desperate effort.

The New York Times

The Pedlar and his Pack or the Desperate Effort, an Over Balance.

Princeton University

This "true but false" sounds like a desperate effort to spin.

University of California, Berkeley

Mr. Calhoun called the testimony "a desperate effort to rationalize Greenspan's own failures".

The New York Times

An actress faked her own kidnapping in a desperate effort to win back her former boyfriend.

Independent

Trailhead soldiers poured out of the entrance in a last desperate effort to protect their home.

The New Yorker

Nabil and many others headed for Pakistan in a desperate effort to escape the danger.

The New York Times

Or really something simpler: a cunning and desperate effort at money.

The New York Times

"Actually you could say that it's a desperate effort by the government to catch up".

The New York Times

After Sandy Hook, I joined several gun-control organizations in a desperate effort to do something.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about historical events or narratives, "desperate effort" can effectively highlight the intensity and precariousness of key moments.

Common error

Avoid using "desperate effort" when a situation isn't truly dire. Overusing it can dilute its impact and make your writing sound melodramatic. Instead, opt for phrases like "significant attempt" or "strong effort" in less critical contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "desperate effort" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. As Ludwig highlights, it describes a significant attempt to achieve a goal, often under pressing circumstances. Examples illustrate its use across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "desperate effort" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe an urgent and critical attempt to achieve a goal. As noted by Ludwig, its usage spans across various contexts, including news, academia, and business. The phrase conveys a sense of urgency and high stakes, making it suitable for situations where failure would have serious consequences. While generally neutral in register, it's important to avoid overuse in less critical scenarios to maintain its impact. Alternatives like ""last-ditch attempt"" or "frantic endeavor" can offer nuanced variations in meaning. The analysis of Ludwig confirms the phrase's correct usage and wide applicability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

last-ditch attempt

Emphasizes the finality and urgency of the attempt, suggesting that failure is imminent if this effort fails.

frantic endeavor

Highlights the chaotic and hurried nature of the effort, implying a sense of panic or urgency.

all-out push

Suggests a comprehensive and forceful effort, leaving nothing in reserve.

vigorous attempt

Focuses on the energy and strength applied to the attempt.

determined struggle

Highlights the resolve and persistence involved in the effort, emphasizing the difficulty faced.

vigorous endeavor

Focuses on the intensity and effort put forth while trying to achieve a specific goal.

strenuous attempt

Emphasizes the arduous and demanding nature of the attempt.

make every effort

Implies a comprehensive approach, suggesting that no stone is left unturned.

desperate measure

Focuses on the extreme nature of the action taken, implying that the situation is dire.

heroic effort

Conveys the scale and audacity of the attempt and portrays people involved as heroes that performed their best.

FAQs

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

You can use "desperate effort" to describe a situation where someone is trying very hard to achieve something, often because they are in a difficult or dangerous situation. For example, "In a "last-ditch attempt" to save the company, the CEO implemented drastic cost-cutting measures."

What are some alternatives to "desperate effort"?

Some alternatives to "desperate effort" include ""last-ditch attempt"", "frantic endeavor", or "vigorous attempt", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "desperate attempt" the same as "desperate effort"?

"Desperate attempt" and "desperate effort" are very similar and often interchangeable. However, "effort" can sometimes imply a more sustained or prolonged activity, while "attempt" might suggest a single, focused action.

When is it appropriate to use "desperate effort" in writing?

Use "desperate effort" when you want to emphasize the urgency, high stakes, and potentially risky nature of an attempt to achieve something. It's best suited for situations where failure would have serious consequences.