exert some effort

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exert some effort" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that someone is putting forth effort or energy in order to accomplish something. For example: "If we want to make this project successful, we must all exert some effort."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

"If two people are buying property together, and they're not legally married, they almost always need to exert some effort to protect themselves," said William H. Michelson, a Plainfield, N.J., real estate lawyer who frequently represents gay, lesbian and unmarried heterosexual couples.

The New York Times

Where before I'd have to exert some effort (albeit a minimal amount) to explicitly share a piece of content, with this new effortless sharing I'm going to deal with a nagging feeling in the back of my head wondering if I really want the article I just clicked on to be shared with friends.

TechCrunch

While institutions such as Columbia University and the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill say they will exert some effort to accommodate a spouse when recruiting a seasoned scientist, they are not likely to facilitate two jobs for a researcher whose track record is not yet established.

Science Magazine

"If I were Roger Goodell, I'd be thinking of discontinuing it or at least trying to come up with a way for the players to exert some effort.

Huffington Post

Other trackways show that non-azhdarchid pterosaurs had partially abducted limbs when moving terrestrially [e.g. 96] and consequently would have had to exert some effort to counter bending forces acting on their limb bones and joints.

Plosone

4) Finally, the authors should exert some effort to make their paper, particularly the Introduction, more accessible to the general readers of eLife.

eLife

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

It took four games to find a combination that worked, or at least one that would not spot the opponent a 20-point lead before exerting some effort.

The New York Times - Sports

Although the United States has exerted some effort over many years, it was neither consistent nor did it display the leadership needed to bring parties together to forge peace.

Huffington Post

The interim manager put on his captain, Wayne Rooney, for the final 17 minutes in an effort to exert some control and pointed to individual errors as a cause for concern, but attempted to offer some context to his side's struggles.

The Guardian - Sport

The issue of whether nicotine should be classified as a drug is at the center of federal efforts to exert some regulatory control over tobacco companies.

The New York Times

Intention captures the motivational factors that influence behaviours [ 31] and signifies a teacher's decision to exert effort to attempt identification [ 26].

BMC Health Services Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "exert some effort" when you want to emphasize a deliberate application of energy towards a specific goal. It suggests a conscious decision to invest resources into an action or project.

Common error

Avoid replacing simpler phrases like "make an effort" with "exert some effort" in informal contexts. Overly formal language can sound unnatural or pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exert some effort" functions as a verbal phrase within a sentence, typically acting as a predicate that describes the action of applying energy or resources toward a goal. As seen in Ludwig's examples, it often conveys a conscious decision to invest effort.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "exert some effort" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression that signifies the application of energy or resources toward a particular goal. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is correct in written English. While "exert some effort" isn't as prevalent as simpler alternatives like "make an effort", it carries a more formal tone, making it suitable for professional and news contexts. The phrase's communicative purpose involves encouraging or describing a deliberate action. Remember to consider the formality of your writing context when choosing between "exert some effort" and its simpler counterparts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make an effort

This alternative uses simpler vocabulary, making it slightly less formal than the original phrase.

put in some work

This option is more informal, suggesting a practical and hands-on approach to effort.

dedicate some energy

This phrase emphasizes the allocation of personal energy, highlighting a commitment of resources.

invest some time and energy

This alternative stresses both temporal and energetic investments, implying a more comprehensive commitment.

apply oneself

A more formal and concise way of expressing the dedication of effort.

try to make things happen

This is a longer and more verbose expression that indicates action with intent.

put one's shoulder to the wheel

This idiomatic alternative indicates hard work and a concerted effort.

give something a shot

This option is much more casual, suggesting a less serious or tentative approach.

make a contribution

This emphasizes the outcome or result of the effort, rather than the exertion itself.

get involved

This suggests participation or engagement but does not necessarily imply effort.

FAQs

What does "exert some effort" mean?

The phrase "exert some effort" means to apply or dedicate energy and resources towards achieving a specific goal or task. It suggests a conscious and intentional application of effort.

How can I use "exert some effort" in a sentence?

You can use "exert some effort" to describe actions requiring deliberate application of energy. For example, "To succeed in this project, we all need to "make an effort"."

What are some alternatives to "exert some effort"?

Alternatives include "make an effort", "put in some work", or "dedicate some energy". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired tone.

Is "exert some effort" formal or informal?

"Exert some effort" is generally considered more formal than alternatives like "make an effort" or "put in some work". Use it in contexts where a more elevated tone is appropriate.