hell of an effort

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hell of an effort" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation or task where someone has worked very hard or put in a lot of effort. For example, "He put in a hell of an effort to finish the project on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

He puts it just wide, but that was a hell of an effort.

The Guardian - Sport

"We're going to make a hell of an effort this year.

The New York Times

That's one hell of an effort after the disappointment of the previous hole.

The Guardian - Sport

It's going to take one hell of an effort for Andy to get a point".

The Guardian - Sport

If it is a joke, then hats off to Dee and XOVA – they've gone to one hell of an effort.

Independent

By the closing credits, it feels like a hell of an effort to get some dinner, omega-3 oil and a new pair of shoes.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

"It's disappointing, but considering the week we have had, the climate we are in and coming away to the French champions... it's a hell-of an effort," said Rhys. "It shouldn't be underestimated what we have put in here and it shows what we are about, in terms of the fight the players put in for the Ospreys shirt.

BBC

"I think it just took a hell of a lot of effort and obsession, especially from Robbie.

The Guardian - Music

"It takes a hell of a lot of effort, and therefore money," explains Mr Sukdhev.

BBC

At least, not without a hell of a lot of effort.

TechCrunch

The truth is that it'll take a hell of a lot of time and effort because at the moment it's just a building site.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "hell of an effort" to acknowledge substantial work and dedication, especially when there's a notable achievement or a near miss. It adds an emphatic and slightly informal tone to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "hell of an effort" in highly formal writing or professional communications where a more neutral or appreciative tone might be more appropriate. Instead, opt for alternatives like "remarkable effort" or "significant endeavor".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hell of an effort" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun. It intensifies the description of the "effort", indicating that it was particularly significant or impressive. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Sport

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "hell of an effort" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to emphasize considerable exertion or dedication. As Ludwig highlights, it is suitable for written English and effectively conveys admiration. While mostly common in News & Media and Sports reporting, it's less appropriate for formal or academic writing. When choosing alternatives, consider the context and the level of formality required. While alternatives like "remarkable endeavor" exist, the original phrase maintains a more informal tone. Remember to use this expression to properly acknowledge a well executed action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

valiant effort

Emphasizes the courage and determination behind the effort, often used when facing adversity.

remarkable endeavor

Replaces the informal "hell" with a more formal "remarkable" and uses the noun "endeavor" instead of "effort".

considerable attempt

Emphasizes the act of trying rather than the effort itself.

heroic endeavor

Suggests the effort was not only great but also noble or selfless.

significant exertion

Focuses on the energy expended, using "exertion" to highlight the labor involved.

noteworthy try

Highlights the positive aspect of the attempt, suggesting it deserves recognition.

strenuous undertaking

Implies a difficult task that required a lot of energy and commitment.

determined push

Focuses on the resolute and purposeful nature of the attempt.

herculean task

Evokes the imagery of immense effort and challenge, referencing the labors of Hercules.

monumental challenge

Suggests the task was large and significant, requiring substantial input.

FAQs

How can I use "hell of an effort" in a sentence?

You can use "hell of an effort" to describe someone's hard work, as in, "She put in a "hell of an effort" to complete the project ahead of schedule."

What's a less informal way to say "hell of an effort"?

Consider using phrases like "remarkable endeavor", "significant exertion", or "considerable attempt" if you need a more formal tone.

Is "hell of an effort" grammatically correct?

Yes, "hell of an effort" is grammatically correct and widely used in spoken and written English, though it's considered informal.

What's the difference between "hell of an effort" and "good effort"?

"Hell of an effort" implies a greater degree of exertion and a more emphatic acknowledgement of the work done, whereas "good effort" is a more general and less intense form of praise. The former suggests a remarkable or strenuous attempt.