long efforts

USAGE SUMMARY

'long efforts' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to refer to the extended effort it takes to achieve a certain goal. For example, "Despite their long efforts, the team was unable to win the championship game."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

Both these long efforts are now beginning to bear fruit in the subarea of hypersonic transition.

Progress in Aerospace Sciences

Despite their long efforts against predatory lending, consumer groups say they were not consulted.

The New York Times

But the frontier has disappeared, and the two men wonder what they gained from their long efforts.

The New Yorker

As with gay marriage, polls show that the long efforts of campaigners have started to liberalise public opinion.Elsewhere there is red meat for conservatives.

The Economist

Opponents of the plan warn that resurrecting the mujahedeen would give power back to the warlords after long efforts to disarm them.

The New York Times

Taylor shows that the modern turn inward is not disastrous but is in fact the result of our long efforts to define and reach the good.

Stanford University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Japanese firms' decade-long efforts to repay debt provide a sobering lesson.

The Economist

Dummett was knighted in 1999 for his philosophical work and his decades-long efforts to combat racism in British society.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Balanced: You should feel great that your year-long efforts have left you feeling healthier and more positive.

Harvard University

This movement had its roots in the centuries-long efforts of African slaves and their descendants to resist racial oppression and abolish the institution of slavery.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"My personal affairs as well as my years-long efforts to obtain land and soil for the Jews came to naught.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "long efforts" to highlight the extended duration and sustained commitment required to achieve a goal. It's particularly effective when contrasting the effort with the outcome, whether successful or not.

Common error

Avoid using "long efforts" when describing short, high-intensity actions. "Long efforts" implies sustained activity over time, not a brief, concentrated burst of energy. For short bursts, consider phrases like "intensive work" or "focused push".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "long efforts" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It typically describes the sustained and extended actions undertaken to achieve a particular outcome, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Academia

21%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "long efforts" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe sustained and extended actions toward a goal. Ludwig AI confirms its typical use is to refer to the extended effort it takes to achieve a certain goal. While not the most frequent phrase, it's commonly found in news, academic, and scientific contexts. When using "long efforts", ensure it accurately reflects the duration and persistence involved, avoiding confusion with short, intense bursts of activity. Consider alternatives like "sustained endeavors" or "prolonged struggles" for nuanced meaning. Top sources include The New York Times and The Washington Post. When aiming for precision and clarity in your writing, remember that Ludwig provides the means to ensure accurate and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Sustained endeavors

Emphasizes the continuous and persistent nature of the efforts.

Extended attempts

Highlights the prolonged duration of the attempts made.

Prolonged struggles

Focuses on the difficult and lengthy nature of the efforts.

Lengthy undertakings

Emphasizes the considerable time invested in the undertakings.

Protracted campaigns

Highlights the drawn-out nature of organized campaigns.

Ongoing initiatives

Stresses the continuing aspect of the initiatives.

Persistent work

Emphasizes the unwavering dedication and continuation of the work.

Diligent pursuit

Highlights the careful and persistent nature of the pursuit.

Assiduous application

Focuses on the consistent and dedicated application of effort.

Tenacious striving

Emphasizes the determined and persistent nature of the striving.

FAQs

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

You can use "long efforts" to describe the sustained work and dedication required to achieve a specific goal. For example, "Despite their "long efforts", the team was unable to secure funding for the project.".

What are some alternatives to "long efforts"?

Alternatives include "sustained endeavors", "extended attempts", or "prolonged struggles", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "long effort" or "long efforts"?

"Long effort" can be used to describe a single, sustained attempt, while ""long efforts"" refers to multiple endeavors undertaken over time. The choice depends on whether you're describing a singular, continuous activity or a series of actions.

What is the difference between "long efforts" and "hard work"?

"Hard work" generally describes the intensity of labor, while ""long efforts"" emphasizes the duration and persistence of the work. You can put hard work over a short period of time, but to have ""long efforts"" is required for long periods of time.