earnest effort

USAGE SUMMARY

'earnest effort' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a serious attempt to accomplish something. For example: "He put in an earnest effort to make a positive change in his life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Although Cassandra Kubinski's Mirette is an earnest effort, the earnestness and the effort are all too visible.

The New York Times

And this is an earnest effort.

The New York Times

It was an earnest effort at poor rationalizing by Byrd.

The New York Times - Sports

Any earnest effort at communication, moreover, is regarded with hostility and suspicion.

The New Yorker

The founders made an earnest effort to keep religion out of politics.

The New York Times

Are lap dances more sanctified than an earnest effort to promote peace?

The New York Times

Durbano defended Chicora's project as an earnest effort to improve a run-down building.

The Washington Post

"Of Mice and Men" is an earnest effort that falls short.

The New York Times

WESTCHESTER County schools make an earnest effort to teach children tolerance.

The New York Times

The games, though played with earnest effort by both sides, have not been exciting.

The New York Times - Sports

It is typically in some kind of celebratory manner or in an earnest effort to "make up for lost time".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "earnest effort" to describe actions taken with genuine intention and serious commitment. This phrase is especially fitting when highlighting dedication in overcoming challenges or pursuing important goals.

Common error

Avoid using "earnest effort" to describe trivial or half-hearted attempts. This phrase implies significant dedication and should be reserved for situations where genuine commitment is evident.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "earnest effort" functions as a noun phrase, where "earnest" modifies the noun "effort". It describes the quality of the effort being made, indicating sincerity and seriousness. According to Ludwig, the phrase is usable in written English and refers to a serious attempt to accomplish something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "earnest effort" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that describes a serious and sincere attempt to achieve something. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is a versatile phrase suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it leans slightly toward the formal due to the word "earnest". Predominantly found in news and media, formal business, and scientific publications, the phrase effectively conveys dedication and commitment. When writing, remember to reserve "earnest effort" for situations where genuine dedication is evident, avoiding its use for trivial or half-hearted attempts. Consider alternative phrases such as "sincere attempt" or "dedicated attempt" for nuanced variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

earnest endeavor

Replaces 'effort' with 'endeavor', suggesting a more ambitious or sustained undertaking.

sincere attempt

Substitutes 'earnest' with 'sincere' and 'effort' with 'attempt', highlighting genuineness of the try.

dedicated attempt

Replaces 'earnest' with 'dedicated', focusing on the commitment involved in the attempt.

genuine endeavor

Uses 'genuine' instead of 'earnest', emphasizing the authenticity of the undertaking.

determined effort

Highlights the resolve and determination behind the effort.

conscientious effort

Emphasizes the thoughtfulness and care put into the effort.

vigorous attempt

Replaces 'effort' with 'attempt' and indicates a strong, energetic try.

wholehearted attempt

Highlights the complete sincerity and commitment involved.

serious attempt

Focuses on the gravity and importance of the attempt.

good-faith effort

Emphasizes honesty and sincerity in the attempt.

FAQs

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

You can use "earnest effort" to describe someone's serious and sincere attempt to achieve something. For example, "Despite the challenges, she made an earnest effort to complete the project on time".

What are some alternatives to "earnest effort"?

You can use alternatives like "sincere attempt", "dedicated attempt", or "genuine endeavor" depending on the context.

Is "earnest effort" formal or informal?

"Earnest effort" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it leans slightly towards the formal side due to the word "earnest". It can be used in professional communications, academic papers, and general conversations.

What's the difference between "earnest effort" and "half-hearted attempt"?

"Earnest effort" implies a sincere and dedicated attempt, whereas "half-hearted attempt" suggests a lack of enthusiasm and commitment. They are antonyms, representing opposite levels of dedication.