made a special effort

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "made a special effort" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation where someone has put in extra work or dedication to achieve a goal or complete a task. Example: "She made a special effort to ensure that the event was a success, going above and beyond to accommodate all the guests."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I made a special effort not to be".

The Guardian - Music

He made a special effort not to drink on these weekends they shared.

The New Yorker

I've always made a special effort to treat black people like people.

The New York Times - Magazine

The committee made a special effort to finance scientists who are only beginning such research.

The New York Times

"So Jo made a special effort to have another picture taken, just the two of them".

The Guardian

But one hospital has made a special effort to help patients who lack written advance directives.

The New York Times - Health

No one made a special effort to keep me from Virginia Woolf or E. M. Forster.

The New York Times - Books

(Forty-five per cent made a "special effort" to buy American, according to a recent Gallup poll).

The New Yorker

The revolutionary government has made a special effort to promote study of the African roots of Cuban culture.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Factories producing such goods have made a special effort to meet consumer demands and to produce durable and attractive products.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In Mississippi, which received the worst ranking on the chamber's list, advocates of limits on lawsuits made a special effort.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "made a special effort", ensure that the context clearly indicates the purpose or goal of the effort. This provides a clearer understanding of the action and its intended outcome.

Common error

Avoid using "made a special effort" without specifying what specific actions were taken. Providing concrete examples strengthens the statement and makes it more impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "made a special effort" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to describe an action taken with particular intent or dedication. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

17%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "made a special effort" is a common and grammatically sound way to express that someone has exerted extra dedication or work toward a specific goal. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It is frequently used in News & Media, Science, and Encyclopedias. For clarity, it's often best to specify the actions taken as part of the "special effort". Alternatives include "went the extra mile" and "tried especially hard". Ensuring context and specific examples enhances its impact in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tried especially hard

Emphasizes the increased level of effort exerted.

put in extra work

Focuses on the additional labor or effort invested.

went the extra mile

Implies exceeding expectations or doing more than is required.

took particular care

Highlights the attention and diligence given to a task.

devoted considerable attention

Highlights the significant focus directed towards something.

exerted considerable effort

Emphasizes the substantial amount of effort applied.

invested significant energy

Focuses on the amount of energy dedicated to a task.

strove diligently

Conveys a sense of persistent and dedicated effort.

endeavored earnestly

Implies a sincere and serious attempt.

applied oneself assiduously

Suggests a focused and meticulous approach.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "made a special effort" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "exerted considerable effort" or "devoted considerable attention". These options convey a similar meaning with a heightened sense of professionalism.

What's a simple alternative to "made a special effort"?

If you're looking for a straightforward alternative, try "tried especially hard". It's easily understandable and conveys the same intent of putting in extra effort.

Is it always necessary to specify what the "special effort" was?

While not always grammatically required, specifying the actions taken as part of the "special effort" often adds clarity and impact to your writing. Providing context helps the reader fully understand the extent and nature of the effort made.

What's the difference between "made a special effort" and "made a reasonable effort"?

"Made a special effort" implies going above and beyond what is normally expected, whereas "made a reasonable effort" suggests doing what is considered sufficient or adequate. The former suggests a higher degree of dedication.