greatest efforts

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "greatest efforts" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express the maximum level of effort or commitment put into a task or endeavor. Example: "We will make our greatest efforts to ensure the project is completed on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

What if despite your greatest efforts and wishes sleep just keeps eluding you and you are dreading another year of sleepless nights and foggy days?

HuffPost

The only way to eliminate this choice is to put our greatest efforts into antidoping enforcement.

The New York Times

Despite my greatest efforts to be chill, I am a terrible nuisance and frustratingly type-A.

The New Yorker

He put his greatest efforts into getting the most for his hospital from the outside world.

Harvard Business Review

By far the greatest efforts have been in the US program, but other countries have also addressed the issues.

Waste Management Series

During his first four months, his greatest efforts were spent rallying his disgusted employees, and attempting to create order.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

On the Hill, Mr. Poe's greatest efforts appear to focus on his oratory.

The New York Times

Godey's greatest effort!

Duke University

Therefore I shall make very great efforts.

The New Yorker

Let's make greater efforts".

The Guardian - Tech

We went to great efforts.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When emphasizing the intensity of effort, consider using "greatest efforts" to convey a sense of maximum commitment and dedication to a task or goal.

Common error

While "greatest efforts" is appropriate for formal and professional communication, avoid using it excessively in casual conversations. Simpler phrases like "tried my best" or "did everything I could" may be more suitable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "greatest efforts" functions as a noun phrase typically used as the object of a verb or preposition. It signifies the maximum amount of energy, resources, or dedication applied to a particular task or goal, as seen in many examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "greatest efforts" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression that signifies maximum exertion and commitment. As Ludwig AI confirms, the expression is appropriate for conveying dedication in formal contexts like news reports, scientific publications, and professional communications. The analysis reveals that while widely accepted, it's best to reserve "greatest efforts" for scenarios where a high degree of formality is fitting, opting for simpler alternatives in casual conversation. Related phrases such as "utmost endeavors" and "maximum exertion" offer nuanced alternatives, each with its own specific context of best use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

utmost endeavors

This alternative emphasizes the dedication and determination involved in the effort; 'endeavors' also sounds slightly more formal than 'efforts'.

maximum exertion

This focuses on the physical or mental energy expended. It may be suitable in contexts where intense effort is visible or measurable.

best attempts

This alternative suggests a focus on the attempt itself, implying that the outcome may not be guaranteed despite the high level of effort.

supreme dedication

This highlights the commitment and loyalty involved, emphasizing the emotional investment in achieving the goal.

most significant strides

This suggests considerable progress and advancement being made, particularly useful when evaluating work over time.

top-tier initiatives

This refers to efforts that have the highest priority or importance within an organizational context.

optimal contributions

This alternative highlights how much each person or element gave to the group endeavor to maximize the outcome.

leading initiatives

This denotes the most important and cutting-edge efforts undertaken within a field or industry, showing significance over simple tasks.

primary commitments

This indicates that these efforts are central and prioritized above others, suggesting dedication and importance.

paramount undertakings

This signifies projects or tasks regarded as essential or pre-eminent, showcasing their importance and strategic nature.

FAQs

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

Use "greatest efforts" to describe a situation where someone is putting in their maximum possible effort. For example, "Despite our greatest efforts, we couldn't meet the deadline."

What can I say instead of "greatest efforts"?

You can use alternatives like "utmost endeavors", "maximum exertion", or "best attempts" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "greatest effort" instead of "greatest efforts"?

While "greatest effort" can be used, "greatest efforts" is more common when referring to a collective or sustained action. "Greatest effort" might be suitable when describing a single, focused attempt.

What's the difference between "greatest efforts" and "best efforts"?

"Greatest efforts" emphasizes the intensity and magnitude of the work done, while "best efforts" simply indicates that someone has tried their best, without necessarily implying the same level of intensity.