it can take some effort

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it can take some effort" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that a task or process may require a certain amount of work or dedication to achieve a desired outcome. Example: "Learning a new language can be challenging; it can take some effort to become fluent."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

It can take some effort — and perhaps a lock on the bedroom door and background music — to reduce the risk of distractions that blunt the flame of desire.

The New York Times - Health

It can take some effort, however.

Huffington Post

It can take some effort occasionally to keep life interesting, but it is possible to fully enjoy and take advantage of your new, laid-back environment.

Huffington Post

Being rattled is a sensation that takes a while to shake off, and some films swallow you in their quicksand so much it can take some effort to slop yourself out.

Vice

Amid all the roiling waves and counter-currents of reaction it can take some effort to recall that Charlie's potentially inscrutable surname is just a shortening of the overly-syllabic French word for 'weekly': hebdomadaire.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Dipping can take some effort, so set aside a block of time to complete it.

WikiHow

Reaching distant villages like Nglurah, however, can take some effort.

The New York Times - Travel

But bringing this fantasy into reality can take some effort, so much that the third, when they're a woman, is often referred to as a "unicorn".

Vice

It can take some time and effort to build this kind of relationship, but doing so will help you attract new teachers who are looking for their first jobs.

WikiHow

It can take more effort, and time, than you expect to extract your colleague's opinion about your proposal, to soften potentially offensive questions, or to arrive at a consensus about the direction your group should go.

Science Magazine

It can take a major effort to gain the support of administrators.

International Journal of Emergency Medicine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it can take some effort", ensure the context clearly identifies what "it" refers to, to avoid ambiguity. For instance, instead of saying "Learning a new skill can take some effort", be specific like "Mastering the guitar can take some effort".

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the amount of effort needed. While honesty is important, portraying a task as overwhelmingly difficult when it's not can discourage your audience. Instead, balance realism with encouragement. For example, instead of saying "Reaching fluency will take immense effort", consider saying "Reaching fluency requires consistent practice and dedication".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it can take some effort" functions as an introductory remark, indicating the potential need for dedication or hard work to achieve a particular outcome. This is confirmed by Ludwig AI, which classifies it as correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Wiki

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it can take some effort" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to preface tasks that require dedication and hard work. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's correct and usable in various contexts, though it leans towards a neutral or slightly informal register. Predominantly found in News & Media, Wiki, and Science sources, this phrase serves the purpose of managing expectations by highlighting the need for commitment, while more formal settings may benefit from slightly more sophisticated alternatives. Use this phrase when you want to be realistic about the effort required without sounding overly discouraging. Remember to always be clear about what "it" refers to.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it may require dedication

Emphasizes the need for commitment.

it calls for commitment

Similar to dedication, but perhaps slightly more formal.

it might demand perseverance

Highlights the importance of persistence.

it could entail a struggle

Suggests a potentially difficult undertaking.

it will prove to be challenging

Focuses on the difficulty and the obstacles to overcome.

it will involve exertion

Focuses on the physical or mental energy required.

it necessitates application

Stresses the need for focused effort.

it necessitates diligent work

Implies careful and sustained work.

it needs considerable input

Highlights the resources and work needed.

it requires a determined approach

Focuses on the mindset necessary for success.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "it can take some effort"?

You can use alternatives such as "it may require dedication", "it might demand perseverance", or "it could entail a struggle" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "it can take some effort" formal or informal?

The phrase "it can take some effort" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal settings might benefit from alternatives that sound more sophisticated, such as "it necessitates application".

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "it can take some effort"?

It is appropriate to use the phrase when you want to honestly convey that a task or process might not be easy and will require dedicated work to achieve the desired outcome. It's suitable when providing advice, setting expectations, or explaining why something might be challenging.

What's the difference between "it can take some effort" and "it requires effort"?

While both phrases convey a similar message, "it can take some effort" softens the statement slightly, suggesting that the effort is not always a given. "It requires effort" is more direct and assertive, implying that the effort is essential and non-negotiable.