genuine effort

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "genuine effort" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an earnest attempt at achieving something. For example, "He put in a genuine effort to learn the material for the test."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Science

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I guess it's more about the complete lack of any genuine effort or concern or pride.

Independent

"Why not accept other companies who make a genuine effort to accept the principles?

The New York Times

But he also makes a genuine effort in "Imitations" to inhabit the shades of others.

The Economist

The consensus among both sides is that it was a respectful, genuine effort.

The Washington Post

Or a genuine effort to resolve the most vexed issues even though the moment has passed?

The New York Times

He stressed, again and again, the importance of making a genuine effort.

The New York Times - Books

I think he's made a very genuine effort to give of himself freely to students.

The New York Times

"I think the delegations are making a genuine effort to make a compromise".

The New York Times

"There appears to have been a genuine effort to achieve real balance".

The New York Times

A genuine effort to reform the intelligence community is under way.

The New York Times - Books

"There's a genuine effort to reach an agreement, and we're hopeful we can do that".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "genuine effort", ensure the context clearly indicates the positive intent and sincerity behind the action. For instance, stating someone made a "genuine effort" to understand another's perspective implies a sincere attempt at empathy.

Common error

Avoid assuming that simply going through the motions equates to "genuine effort". True "genuine effort" involves dedication, focus, and a real commitment to achieving a meaningful outcome, not just performing tasks.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "genuine effort" functions as an adjective-noun combination to describe a sincere and authentic attempt to accomplish something. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Academia

19%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "genuine effort" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a sincere and authentic attempt. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used across diverse contexts, from news and media to academic writing. When using "genuine effort", ensure that the context clearly reflects the positive intent and commitment behind the action. Be mindful not to mistake superficial actions for true "genuine effort", which requires dedication and focus. Alternatives like "sincere attempt" and "earnest endeavor" can be used to add nuance to your writing, while still conveying the core message of a heartfelt attempt.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sincere attempt

Replaces 'genuine' with 'sincere', emphasizing the honesty and earnestness of the attempt.

earnest endeavor

Substitutes both words, highlighting the seriousness and determination of the attempt.

bonafide attempt

Uses 'bonafide' to stress the authenticity and good faith of the effort.

authentic attempt

Replaces 'genuine' with 'authentic', focusing on the real and unfeigned nature of the effort.

real attempt

Uses 'real' as a more direct synonym for 'genuine', signifying a true and honest effort.

good faith effort

Emphasizes the honesty and sincerity behind the attempt.

determined attempt

Focuses on the resoluteness and persistence involved in the effort.

conscientious effort

Highlights the care and diligence applied in the attempt.

diligent attempt

Focuses on the persistent and hardworking nature of the attempt.

serious attempt

Emphasizes the importance and gravity associated with the attempt.

FAQs

How can I use "genuine effort" in a sentence?

You can use "genuine effort" to describe someone's sincere attempt to achieve something. For example, "She made a "genuine effort" to learn the material, but it was still difficult."

What are some alternatives to "genuine effort"?

Alternatives include "sincere attempt", "earnest endeavor", or "good faith effort". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it redundant to say "a very genuine effort"?

While not strictly incorrect, using "very" with "genuine effort" can be redundant. "Genuine" already implies authenticity and sincerity. Consider using a stronger adjective or adverb to describe the type of effort instead, or let the word "genuine" do the work on its own.

What's the difference between "genuine effort" and "half-hearted attempt"?

"Genuine effort" implies a sincere and dedicated attempt, while a "half-hearted attempt" suggests a lack of enthusiasm and commitment. They are essentially antonyms, representing opposite ends of the spectrum of effort.