efforts to kill

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "efforts to kill" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing attempts or actions aimed at causing death or destruction, whether literal or metaphorical. Example: "The investigation revealed the criminal's efforts to kill his rival were premeditated and well-planned."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Film

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Efforts to kill the tax mounted.

The New York Times

Hence, it appeared, the Kremlin's frantic efforts to kill him.

The Guardian

The approach has been compared by some engineering experts to the folkloric efforts to kill vampires.

The New York Times

And there will be a consumer financial protection agency, despite many efforts to kill it off.

The New York Times

The agency's move thus effectively sidesteps the efforts to kill the new water regulations.

The New York Times

As they made peace with some insurgent leaders, they intensified their efforts to kill the holdouts and fanatics.

The New York Times

It should be no surprise to hear that efforts to kill or maim this new agency have been fierce.

The New York Times

"We make unprecedented efforts to kill rats," the mayor said at his daily news conference on Monday.

The New York Times

Wang Yu's film is about a blind monk's efforts to kill his archenemy, the one-armed boxer.

The New York Times

They said Mullah Omar was also moving to new locations in southern Afghanistan, fearful of American efforts to kill him.

The New York Times

Still, despite the LTTE's past efforts to kill off moderate Tamils, the Tamil community is not lacking in political parties or leaders.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "efforts to kill", ensure that the context clearly indicates whether the attempt involves physical harm, metaphorical termination, or the ending of something abstract like a bill or project.

Common error

Avoid overuse of the phrase "efforts to kill" in situations where less dramatic language would suffice. Overusing it can diminish its impact and create unnecessary alarm or hyperbole. Consider alternatives like "attempts to halt", "measures to stop", or "campaigns against" when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "efforts to kill" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes actions taken with the intention of ending or eliminating something. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

87%

Encyclopedias

4%

Film

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Science

1%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "efforts to kill" is a commonly used expression that denotes actions taken with the aim of stopping, eliminating, or suppressing something. According to Ludwig AI, its grammatical status is correct, and it appears most frequently in news and media contexts. While "efforts to kill" can be used in various registers, it's crucial to consider the specific context and choose alternative phrases like "attempts to eliminate" or "endeavors to suppress" to avoid sensationalism or misinterpretation. Understanding its function, purpose, and appropriate usage ensures clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

attempts to eliminate

Focuses on complete removal or eradication.

steps to eradicate

Highlights a process with the goal of complete elimination.

endeavors to suppress

Highlights the act of holding back or restraining.

campaigns to abolish

Emphasizes organized actions aimed at ending something.

drives to stop

Focuses on the impetus and motivation behind the action.

moves to thwart

Suggests actions intended to prevent or obstruct.

actions to neutralize

Implies rendering something ineffective or harmless.

operations to terminate

Suggests a more formal or strategic approach to ending something.

bids to quash

Implies forceful suppression or rejection.

measures to counteract

Highlights actions taken to negate the effects of something.

FAQs

How can I use "efforts to kill" in a sentence?

You can use "efforts to kill" to describe attempts to stop or eliminate something, whether it's a physical threat or an abstract concept. For example: "The company intensified its "efforts to kill" the proposed regulation."

What are some alternatives to "efforts to kill"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "attempts to eliminate", "endeavors to suppress", or "campaigns to abolish".

Is it appropriate to use "efforts to kill" in formal writing?

Yes, "efforts to kill" can be used in formal writing, particularly in news reports, academic papers, and business documents, when describing attempts to stop or eliminate something. However, consider the tone and audience to ensure it is appropriate.

What is the difference between "efforts to kill" and "attempts to stop"?

"Efforts to kill" often implies a more forceful or decisive action aimed at ending something completely, whereas "attempts to stop" can refer to a broader range of actions aimed at preventing something from happening or continuing.