honest efforts

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "honest efforts" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe sincere attempts or endeavors made towards achieving a goal or completing a task. Example: "We appreciate your honest efforts in trying to resolve the issue, and we look forward to your continued dedication."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

He said Mr. Markelov had commanded "major respect in Chechnya for his honest efforts" in defending Ms. Kungayeva's family.

The New York Times

As such, religious doctrines everywhere are potent anti-reality forces, pushing back against the honest efforts of reasonable people.

The New York Times

"His honest efforts to guide us to the safety of mid-table when faced with many difficulties is appreciated by us all.

The Guardian - Sport

Never once in all that extended rain of good luck — the middle eighties — did I hear him begrudge anyone else's fortune, admit to rivalry, take away anybody's glory, or sell out his or anybody's honest efforts.

The New Yorker

They will either have to accept the banks' explanation, which would mean congratulating them on honest efforts to stimulate demand and accepting that "responsible" lending standards must be maintained; or they will have to take action.

The Guardian - Business

The seemingly honest efforts of the Department of Defense to make the composition of the military vaguely resemble a slice of the actual American populace are undermined by the fact that most Americans of military fighting age don't serve.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

He always gives you an honest effort.

The New York Times

"They really put in an honest effort.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

We only want those who put in an honest effort.

The New York Times

They are veterans who give an honest effort.

The New York Times - Sports

"They've put forth an honest effort," Gumbs said.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When you want to recognize the intention and integrity behind attempts made by someone, use "honest efforts".

Common error

While "honest efforts" is generally acceptable, overuse in very formal or academic writing can sound slightly informal. Consider stronger, more precise alternatives like "diligent attempts" or "genuine endeavors" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "honest efforts" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or the subject of a clause. It encapsulates the idea of making sincere attempts to achieve a goal. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "honest efforts" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe sincere attempts or endeavors. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it conveys appreciation for the intention and integrity behind actions, regardless of the final outcome. The phrase appears most frequently in News & Media, Formal & Business and Wiki contexts, maintaining a generally neutral register. To diversify your writing, consider alternatives such as "sincere endeavors", "genuine attempts", or "good-faith attempts". Be mindful of the context and audience to ensure the most appropriate tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sincere endeavors

Replaces "honest" with "sincere" and "efforts" with "endeavors", maintaining the emphasis on genuineness and hard work.

genuine attempts

Substitutes "honest" with "genuine" and "efforts" with "attempts", highlighting the authenticity of the undertaking.

good-faith attempts

Emphasizes the element of trust and integrity in the attempt.

earnest endeavors

Replaces "honest" with "earnest", suggesting a serious and heartfelt commitment.

conscientious efforts

Highlights the careful and diligent nature of the efforts.

diligent attempts

Focuses on the persistence and thoroughness of the attempts.

bona fide attempts

Uses a more formal term, "bona fide", to emphasize the authenticity and sincerity of the attempts.

sincere commitment

Shifts the focus from the act of trying to the underlying dedication and resolve.

dedicated attempts

Highlights the focus and commitment involved in the attempts.

upright endeavors

Emphasizes the moral and ethical integrity behind the endeavors.

FAQs

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

You can use "honest efforts" to describe sincere attempts to achieve something, such as: "We appreciate your "honest efforts" to resolve the issue."

What are some alternatives to "honest efforts"?

Alternatives include "sincere attempts", "genuine endeavors", or "good faith attempts", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "honest efforts" and "good intentions"?

"Honest efforts" refers to concrete actions and attempts, while "good intentions" focus on the underlying motives. You can have good intentions without putting in honest efforts, and vice versa, though they often go together.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "honest efforts"?

It is appropriate to use "honest efforts" when you want to acknowledge someone's sincere attempts, even if they weren't entirely successful, conveying appreciation for their dedication and integrity.