few efforts

USAGE SUMMARY

'few efforts' is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a lack of work put in to a task or activity. For example, "Unfortunately, the project was a failure as we only made a few efforts to complete it".

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

There are few efforts to systematize prognostic knowledge.

International Journal of Forecasting

There have been few efforts to create a cheaper insulin.

The Washington Post

To date, few efforts were done regarding materials that should be used in harsh environments.

Journal of the European Ceramic Society

Relatively few efforts have been devoted to employing physical quantity to represent functional requirement.

Procedia CIRP

To date, however, few efforts have been made to systematically compare PES experiences.

Ecological Economics

Very few efforts have been devoted to study the importance of the pre-processing techniques.

Pattern Recognition Letters

There have been a few efforts to apply such systems in medicine.

Journal of Critical Care

So far, there have been few efforts to comprehensively discuss these issues.

Coordination Chemistry Reviews

Few efforts have been made to investigate the time-dependent scour hazard on bridge systems under seismic loads.

Engineering Structures

Italy has made few efforts to integrate the Roma into Italian society.

The New York Times

Overhauling schools is challenging work, and experts say few efforts succeed.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "few efforts" to objectively describe a situation where limited attempts have been made. It's suitable for formal reports, news articles, and academic papers when discussing research gaps or shortcomings in initiatives.

Common error

Avoid using "few efforts" when the situation warrants a stronger critique. If the lack of effort is egregious or intentional, consider using phrases like "negligible efforts" or "deliberate inaction" to convey the severity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "few efforts" functions as a determiner + noun construction. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in written English. It typically modifies a verb, describing an action that was done with a limited amount of exertion.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

47%

News & Media

45%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Academia

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "few efforts" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe a situation where limited attempts have been made. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is well-established in written English. The analysis of usage patterns reveals that it's primarily used in scientific and news contexts to objectively report on deficiencies or a lack of action. While the phrase is neutral in tone, it often carries a critical undertone, highlighting shortcomings in initiatives or responses to problems. Related phrases such as "limited attempts" and "scant attempts" offer alternative ways to express a similar idea, with subtle differences in emphasis. When using "few efforts", consider the context and ensure it accurately reflects the degree of effort expended, avoiding understatement when stronger criticism is warranted.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

limited attempts

Focuses on the scarcity of attempts made.

minimal endeavors

Highlights the slightness of the undertaken activities.

scant attempts

Emphasizes the inadequacy of the number of tries.

rare endeavors

Stresses the infrequency of the undertakings.

insufficient attempts

Indicates that the attempts were not enough.

negligible attempts

Suggests the attempts were so few as to be insignificant.

meager attempts

Implies the attempts were poor or deficient.

token attempts

Highlights that the attempts were only symbolic.

sporadic attempts

Indicates the attempts were irregular and infrequent.

half-hearted attempts

Suggests the attempts lacked enthusiasm or commitment.

FAQs

How can I use "few efforts" in a sentence?

You can use "few efforts" to describe a lack of attempts or work put into something. For example, "Few efforts have been made to address the issue" or "Despite the urgency, "few efforts were done" to mitigate the risks".

What are some alternatives to "few efforts"?

Some alternatives to "few efforts" include "limited attempts", "minimal endeavors", or "scant attempts". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "few efforts" or "a few efforts"?

"Few efforts" emphasizes the lack or insufficiency of attempts, while "a few efforts" suggests that some attempts were made, though perhaps not many. The choice depends on whether you want to highlight the deficiency or acknowledge the existence of some action.

What is the difference between "few efforts" and "insufficient efforts"?

"Few efforts" simply indicates a small number of attempts. "Insufficient efforts" /s/insufficient+efforts, on the other hand, suggests that the attempts made were inadequate to achieve the desired outcome, regardless of the number of attempts.