in an effort to answer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in an effort to answer" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when explaining the intention behind an action aimed at providing a response or solution. Example: "In an effort to answer the questions raised during the meeting, we conducted a thorough analysis of the data."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

David R. Brennan, president of AstraZeneca in the United States, met with Mr. Scully on March 21 in an effort to answer his criticism of Nexium.

The New York Times

BET is introducing 16 shows through next year in an effort to answer its critics, freshen its profile and stay competitive.

The New York Times - Arts

Steele and Hill also incorporate the wisdom of various experts, from the neurologist V.S. Ramachandran to The Times's Suzy Menkes, all in an effort to answer the age-old question: Why do some women so love their shoes?

The New York Times

In "Nickel and Dimed," Ehrenreich took a series of low-paying jobs in an effort to answer the question: "How does anyone live on the wages available to the unskilled?" The experience, at times, was harrowing.

The New York Times

In an effort to answer his critics around the world, Mr. Bush described America as a benign superpower, one that planned to "bring to the Iraqi people food, and medicines and supplies".

The New York Times

Its goal is to study the total ocean environment from below the seabed to the surface in an effort to answer fundamental questions and help people better care for what oceanographers call the planet's lifeblood.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

Locally, here in Oakland, California, there is an effort to answer these questions from the inside out.

Huffington Post

In response, chief executives have started an effort to answer their critics and still defeat efforts at systemic change.

The New York Times

The ads are an effort to answer that question in a way that his advisers believe will help Mr. Romney get elected.

The New York Times

So we still have a question: are there any places for HFO? Vrettou and colleagues [ 1] make an effort to answer this question in this issue of Critical Care.

Critical Care

The temperature reading was a new scrap of information in the effort to answer one of the most urgent -- and most widely debated -- questions facing humanity: How fast is the world's ice going to melt?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using a more concise alternative like "to answer" or "aiming to answer" if the context allows, especially in situations where brevity is valued.

Common error

Avoid using "in an effort to answer" when the intent is not directly related to addressing a specific question. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound verbose and less impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in an effort to answer" functions as an introductory phrase, specifically a purpose connector. It sets the stage by indicating that the subsequent action is being taken to address a question, problem, or criticism. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is grammatically correct and used to explain the intention behind an action.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

42%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in an effort to answer" functions as a purpose connector, commonly used to introduce actions taken to address a specific question or problem. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used, predominantly in News & Media and Scientific contexts. While suitable for formal writing, consider more concise alternatives when brevity is preferred. When using the phrase, ensure the subsequent action directly addresses a specific question and that the phrase is not overused to maintain writing impact. The most authoritative sources using this phrase include The New York Times, BBC, and Huffington Post.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

with a view to answering

Replaces "in an effort" with "with a view", focusing on the intention or aim.

aiming to answer

Uses a more concise verb phrase instead of the lengthier "in an effort to".

seeking to answer

Similar to 'aiming', but emphasizes the search for an answer.

attempting to answer

Highlights the act of trying, which may or may not be successful.

intending to answer

Focuses on the planned or intended action of providing an answer.

striving to answer

Suggests a determined or laborious effort to provide an answer.

working towards answering

Emphasizes the process and progress being made toward answering.

with the purpose of answering

More formal and explicit about the intention or goal.

as an attempt to answer

Highlights the action as a specific attempt rather than a general effort.

endeavoring to answer

Uses a more formal and somewhat archaic verb to indicate a serious effort.

FAQs

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

You can use "in an effort to answer" to introduce an action taken to address a question or problem. For example, "In an effort to answer the concerns raised, the company implemented new safety protocols."

What are some alternatives to "in an effort to answer"?

Alternatives include "aiming to answer", "seeking to answer", or "attempting to answer". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "in an effort to answer" or "to answer"?

The choice between "in an effort to answer" and "to answer" depends on the context. "In an effort to answer" emphasizes the deliberate attempt to address a question, while "to answer" is more direct and concise. Use the former when you want to highlight the effort involved.

What's the difference between "in an effort to answer" and "in order to answer"?

"In an effort to answer" emphasizes the endeavor or attempt, while "in order to answer" focuses on the purpose or goal. They are often interchangeable, but "in an effort to answer" highlights the actions taken, whereas "in order to answer" emphasizes the reason for those actions.