in an effort

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in an effort" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express that someone is doing something in order to achieve a certain goal. For example, "She studied late into the night in an effort to earn an A in the class."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In an effort to remain there, they gorged more.

The Economist

Lesbians are raped in an effort to "correct" their sexuality.

The Economist

"He did that in an effort to move this along.

The New York Times

Millburn is now involved in an effort to reinvent itself.

The New York Times

In an effort to be polite and neighborly, we oblige.

The New York Times

In an effort to change, he turned to church restoration.

The New York Times - Arts

— in an effort to predict the future of state government.

The New York Times

NO IRS," in an effort to encourage participation.

The Washington Post

In an effort to promote understanding, we will annotate it.

The Washington Post

in an effort to persuade Mr. Trie to return.

The New York Times

In an effort to simplify the process, several improvements have been discovered.

Electrochimica Acta

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in an effort" to clearly communicate the intention behind an action. It adds context and clarifies the motivation, enhancing the reader's understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "in an effort" when a simpler verb would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound stilted. For example, instead of "They met in an effort to discuss the issue", try "They met to discuss the issue".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in an effort" functions as an adverbial phrase that introduces a clause of purpose. It modifies the verb in the main clause by explaining the reason or goal behind the action, indicating intent. Ludwig's examples show the phrase used to connect an action with its intended outcome.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

36%

News & Media

58%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in an effort" is a grammatically sound and very common construction used to introduce a purpose clause, explaining the reason behind an action. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. Predominantly found in News & Media and Scientific sources, it maintains a neutral register suitable for various communication styles. While versatile, it's advisable to avoid overuse and consider simpler alternatives when appropriate, as excessive use can lead to a stilted tone. Related phrases like "with the aim of" or "in order to" can provide variety and precision to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in order to

A more formal and direct way to express purpose, comparable to "in an effort" but less nuanced.

with the aim of

Emphasizes the goal-oriented nature of the action, similar to "in an effort" but with a stronger focus on the intended outcome.

so as to

Similar to "in order to", indicating purpose but often used in more formal contexts.

for the purpose of

A formal alternative that clearly states the reason for doing something.

with the intention of

Highlights the deliberate intent behind the action, making the purpose more explicit.

seeking to

Indicates an active pursuit of a specific goal, conveying a sense of proactive effort.

to try to

Simplifies the expression of effort, focusing on the attempt to achieve something.

striving to

Implies a sustained and determined effort towards achieving a particular aim.

endeavoring to

A more formal and less common way of saying 'trying' or 'attempting'.

as a means of

Highlights that the action is a method or tool used to achieve a particular result.

FAQs

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

Use "in an effort" to introduce the purpose or reason behind an action. For example, "The company reduced prices "in an effort" to boost sales".

What are some alternatives to "in an effort"?

You can use alternatives like "with the aim of", "in order to", or "so as to" to express the same meaning.

Is it better to say "in an effort to" or "in an attempt to"?

Both "in an effort to" and "in an attempt to" are correct and can be used interchangeably. The choice often depends on personal preference or the specific tone you want to convey.

What's the difference between "in an effort" and "by trying"?

"In an effort" emphasizes the intention or purpose behind an action, while "by trying" focuses on the process or method used. For instance, "They succeeded "in an effort" to collaborate" highlights their intention, whereas "They succeeded by trying different strategies" emphasizes their method.