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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
gave effort
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "gave effort" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward.
It can be used when describing someone who has put in effort or tried hard in a particular situation, but it is more natural to use "made an effort" instead. Example: "She gave effort to complete the project on time, even though it was challenging."
News & Media
Science
Wiki
Alternative expressions(6)
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
1 human-written examples
Lue admitted being nervous about sliding into Blatt's seat, and while his team gave effort, the Cavaliers didn't win.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
59 human-written examples
Many researchers gave efforts to find such a cohort of SNPs that having genotype patterns and highly specific to each group of individuals.
Science
When you sweat, you're giving effort.
News & Media
If you give effort, you'll create opportunities".
News & Media
"I feel like our players are giving effort.
News & Media
The loosely formed distillers guild is so new that it has not coordinated a similar political giving effort.
News & Media
"If the players weren't giving effort and getting beat 2-0 that's a different ball game.
News & Media
RH synthesized research gap with the methodology and have given effort to bring the issue into perspective and contributed to prepare the draft.
Science
You can spend time, you can give effort instead.
News & Media
Coach McKay felt that the difference was that the team did not begin giving effort until the fourth quarter.
Wiki
In addition, we controlled for each participant's probability of success at a given effort level.
Science
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
While "gave effort" is understandable, consider using more common alternatives like "made an effort" or "put in effort" for clearer and more natural writing.
Common error
Avoid relying heavily on the phrase "gave effort" in professional or academic contexts. While grammatically correct, it may sound less polished than alternatives such as "made a significant contribution" or "dedicated substantial resources". Choose vocabulary that aligns with the overall tone and expectations of your audience.
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
3.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "gave effort" functions as a verb phrase, where "gave" is the verb and "effort" is the noun acting as the direct object. Although Ludwig AI considers the phrase acceptable, it is not the most common phrasing, and more idiomatic options are generally preferred.
Frequent in
News & Media
33%
Science
33%
Wiki
33%
Less common in
Academia
0%
Formal & Business
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, while grammatically sound, the phrase "gave effort" is not the most common or idiomatic choice for expressing the idea of trying hard. As noted by Ludwig AI, it is acceptable, but alternatives like "made an effort" or "put in effort" are generally preferred for clearer and more natural writing. The phrase appears in diverse sources like news media, scientific publications, and wikis, but is rare across all contexts. When writing, consider your audience and aim for language that is both accurate and easily understood.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
made an effort
Replaces "gave" with the more common "made", resulting in a more natural-sounding phrase.
put in effort
Uses "put in" instead of "gave", emphasizing the act of investing effort.
tried hard
Simplifies the phrase to its core meaning of exerting oneself with diligence.
exerted oneself
More formal way of saying "tried hard", emphasizing the exertion of energy.
dedicated oneself
Focuses on the commitment and dedication involved in putting forth effort.
applied oneself
Highlights the focused and deliberate application of one's abilities.
strove
A single-word verb conveying the act of making a great effort to achieve something.
endeavored
Similar to "strove" but slightly more formal, indicating a serious attempt.
labored
Suggests a strenuous and prolonged effort, often involving hard work.
poured energy into
Emphasizes the investment of energy and enthusiasm into a particular task.
FAQs
What are some alternatives to "gave effort"?
Instead of "gave effort", you can use phrases like "made an effort", "put in effort", or "tried hard". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.
Is "gave effort" grammatically correct?
Yes, "gave effort" is grammatically correct, but it's not the most common or idiomatic way to express the idea of trying hard. It's generally better to use alternatives like "made an effort".
How can I use "gave effort" in a sentence?
You can use "gave effort" to describe someone who tried to do something. For example, "She gave effort to complete the project on time." However, consider using more common alternatives for a more natural sound.
Which is better, "gave effort" or "made an effort"?
"Made an effort" is generally preferred over "gave effort". It's a more common and idiomatic way to express the idea of trying hard.
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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
3.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested