effort to return

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "effort to return" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing attempts or initiatives aimed at going back to a previous state or location. Example: "The organization made a significant effort to return to its original mission after the recent changes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The litigation might also complicate an effort to return money to customers.

The New York Times

In 1998, he decided to make a more serious effort to return to racing.

The New Yorker

The effort to return to Earth entails the effort to reënter its gravitational field.

The New Yorker

The main reason behind the effort to return to a more regulated market is price.

The New York Times

Mediators said the rebels would hold talks with the government in an effort to return stability.

The New York Times

Ford has also sharply cut its dividend in an effort to return to profitability.

The New York Times

Make every reasonable effort to return checked bags within 24 hours.

The New York Times - Travel

Ford executives are also at work on a turnaround effort to return to profitability.

The New York Times

Since 2005, NASA has spent about $10 billion on an effort to return astronauts to the moon.

The New York Times - Science

Roddick was only a few feet inside the baseline and did not make an effort to return the shot.

The New York Times

The Cello Sonata (1914) marks his first effort to return to more expanded forms following his "aphoristic" period.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "effort to return", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being returned to and why. Specificity enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "effort to return" when the context implies creating something new, rather than reverting to a previous state. Ensure the action genuinely involves going back to a prior condition, not forging a new path.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "effort to return" functions as a noun phrase followed by an infinitive, describing an action or attempt made with the purpose of reverting to a previous state or condition. It commonly appears in contexts detailing strategies, initiatives, or attempts to regain something lost or return to a prior situation, as evidenced by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "effort to return" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression that describes an action or attempt to revert to a previous state. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts. It's commonly found in news, media, and scientific publications. The phrase is considered neutral in register, making it suitable for both formal and informal communication. Alternatives such as "attempt to revert" or "initiative to restore" can be used depending on the specific nuance desired. When using the phrase, ensure the context is clear about what is being returned to. Overall, "effort to return" is a versatile and widely accepted phrase for describing actions aimed at regaining or reverting to a prior condition.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

attempt to revert

Replaces "effort" with "attempt" and "return" with "revert", focusing on the act of going back.

endeavor to go back

Substitutes "effort" with "endeavor" and uses the more general phrase "go back" instead of "return".

initiative to restore

Replaces "effort" with "initiative" and "return" with "restore", emphasizing the act of bringing something back to its original condition.

drive to reinstate

Uses "drive" as a synonym for "effort" and "reinstate" to indicate bringing something back into effect or use.

campaign to recover

Employs "campaign" to suggest a concerted effort and "recover" to imply regaining something lost.

move to revert to

Focuses on the action of reverting, implying a deliberate step backward.

plan to reinstate

Highlights the planning aspect of bringing something back.

action to regain

Focuses on the action taken to regain something.

attempt to reclaim

Uses "reclaim" to suggest taking back something that was previously possessed.

venture to restore

Replaces "effort" with "venture" and "return" with "restore", focusing on the risk or uncertainty.

FAQs

How can I use "effort to return" in a sentence?

You can use "effort to return" to describe actions taken to revert to a previous state or position. For example: "The company made an effort to return to its original mission.".

What are some alternatives to "effort to return"?

You can use alternatives like "attempt to revert", "endeavor to go back", or "initiative to restore" depending on the context.

Is "effort at returning" grammatically correct instead of "effort to return"?

While "effort at returning" isn't incorrect, "effort to return" is more common and generally preferred. "Effort at returning" can sound slightly awkward in many contexts, especially formal ones.

What's the difference between "effort to return" and "attempt to return"?

Both phrases are similar, but "effort to return" often implies a more sustained and organized approach than "attempt to return". "Attempt" suggests a single try, while "effort" can suggest ongoing attempts.