Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
exert more effort
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
"Exert more effort" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to encourage someone to try harder or work more than they have been. For example: "If we want to make this project a success, we need to exert more effort."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Formal & Business
Alternative expressions(20)
try harder
work harder
dedicate more resources
Try harder
Work harder
Apply more energy
Put in more work
Make a greater attempt
Dedicate more resources
provide more effort
make more effort
made more effort
put more effort
exert greater effort
make greater effort
exerting more effort
exert greater
exert improved effort
bring the intensity
step it up
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
28 human-written examples
Professor Gianni De Fraja, head of economics at Leicester, said: "Parents from a more advantaged environment exert more effort, and this influences positively the educational attainment of their children.
News & Media
Existent small parties did not appear to exert more effort.
Science
Gneezy et al. (2003) provide experimental evidence that men exert more effort than women in high-stakes situations.
We extend the one-period incentive contract model to multi-periods to constrain the enterprise's behavior and stimulate it to exert more effort.
Also, during periods of important internal reshaping, when there are significant changes in strategy, design of the organization and marketing, firms exert more effort to accumulate PAC.
Science
This substitution mechanism could be profitable for firms, especially because immigrants tend to accept lower wages and exert more effort in production than equally skilled natives (Malchow‐Møller et al. 2012; Edo 2015).
Science
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
31 human-written examples
"His excellency gave orders to exert more efforts in the fighting against Daesh and in order to drive out the terrorist gangs from Ramadi," said a statement posted on al-Abadi's official website.
News & Media
Even if you're not a manic mosher, you'll be exerting more effort than you realise simply by being on your feet day and night.
News & Media
These males were slightly larger than uninfected males (40.17 versus 39.24 mm), the team reports today in Biology Letters, and they exerted more effort when calling than their healthy counterparts, producing faster and longer calls traits female frogs are known to prefer.
Science & Research
In five surveys they completed over the course of a semester, patient people of all stripes reported exerting more effort toward their goals than other people did.
News & Media
This indicates, therefore, the need for exerting more effort to teach mothers about MTCT & PMTCT of HIV and there should be well functioning and accessible health facilities in the country especially in the rural areas.
Science
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use "exert more effort" when you want to encourage a greater application of energy, resources, or work towards a specific goal. It suggests a conscious decision to increase input.
Common error
While "exert more effort" is grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Consider using simpler alternatives like "try harder" or "work harder" in informal settings.
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "exert more effort" functions as a directive or suggestion, commonly used to encourage or instruct someone to increase their level of activity or dedication toward a goal. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, supporting its effective use in writing.
Frequent in
Science
43%
News & Media
32%
Formal & Business
11%
Less common in
Wiki
11%
Academia
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "exert more effort" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that encourages a greater application of energy and resources. According to Ludwig, it's suitable for formal, professional, and academic contexts, where it serves to motivate increased dedication. While versatile, simpler alternatives like "try harder" might be preferred in informal settings. Its prevalence in scientific and news media sources underscores its broad applicability. Considering this analysis, using "exert more effort" is a correct and effective way to suggest increased commitment to a task.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
Try harder
A simpler, more direct way of saying to make a greater attempt.
Work harder
Focuses specifically on increasing the amount of work done.
Apply more energy
Replaces "effort" with "energy", focusing on the physical or mental vigor used.
Put in more work
Emphasizes the action of contributing more labor or effort.
Make a greater attempt
Stresses the act of attempting with increased intensity.
Dedicate more resources
Shifts the focus to the allocation of resources, implying a greater commitment.
Increase dedication
Focuses on enhancing the level of commitment and focus.
Invest more time
Highlights the time commitment, a specific type of effort.
Devote more attention
Highlights the allocation of focus and care to a task.
Focus more intently
Emphasizes sharpening the focus and concentration.
FAQs
How can I use "exert more effort" in a sentence?
You can use "exert more effort" to encourage someone to work harder. For example, "If we want to succeed, we need to "exert more effort"".
What are some alternatives to "exert more effort"?
Alternatives include "try harder", "work harder", or "dedicate more resources", depending on the context.
Is it better to say "exert more effort" or "make more effort"?
Both "exert more effort" and "make more effort" are correct. "Exert" implies a more deliberate and forceful application of effort, while "make" is more general. Choose the one that best fits the specific context.
When is it appropriate to use "exert more effort"?
"Exert more effort" is suitable in formal settings, professional contexts, or when giving instructions or encouragement where a deliberate and increased application of effort is needed.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested