made an effort

USAGE SUMMARY

"made an effort" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when someone puts in a lot of effort to do something hard. For example: "She made a lot of effort to learn the new language."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

He'd made an effort.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I have made an effort.

The Guardian - Opinion

"She made an effort," Ms. Getz said.

The New York Times

Pre-kids I made an effort.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Selig also made an effort to defend the deal.

The New York Times - Sports

She made an effort not to get defensive.

The New York Times - Magazine

Douglas made an effort not to widen his eyes.

The New Yorker

A good layout also shows you've made an effort.

The Guardian

It's a look she made an effort to maintain.

The New York Times

But you look like you've made an effort.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Couldn't you have made an effort just the once?

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "made an effort" to emphasize a conscious and deliberate attempt to achieve something, especially when the outcome is uncertain or requires overcoming obstacles.

Common error

Avoid using "made an effort" when the action was effortless or routine. The phrase implies a noticeable attempt to overcome a challenge or improve a situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "made an effort" functions as a verb phrase, indicating that a subject has exerted energy or focus to achieve a particular outcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is a correct and usable construction in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

25%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "made an effort" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe a deliberate attempt to achieve something, often against some form of resistance. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically sound. As revealed in the analysis, the phrase is common across various contexts, particularly in news media and scientific publications. When writing, remember that "made an effort" implies more than a simple try; it suggests a noticeable investment of energy and focus. Related phrases like "tried hard" or "endeavored" can offer alternative ways to express similar meanings, depending on the desired nuance. By understanding its function, purpose, and register, you can effectively use "made an effort" in your own writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tried hard

Implies a strong attempt, focusing on the exertion of effort.

endeavored

A more formal term for making an effort, often suggesting a serious or determined attempt.

strove

Highlights a sustained effort over time, often against opposition.

took pains

Emphasizes the care and attention given to the task.

applied oneself

Focuses on directing one's energy and attention to a specific goal.

put in the work

Highlights the practical aspect of expending effort.

exerted oneself

A more formal way of saying 'made an effort', emphasizing personal exertion.

did one's best

Focuses on achieving the highest possible standard of effort.

went the extra mile

Suggests exceeding the expected level of effort.

gave it a shot

Implies a less committed attempt, often in situations with uncertain outcomes.

FAQs

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

You can use "made an effort" to describe someone's attempt to achieve a goal, like "She "made an effort" to learn the new language" or "He "made an effort" to be more punctual".

What can I say instead of "made an effort"?

Alternatives to "made an effort" include "tried hard", "endeavored", or "strove" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "make an effort" or "made an effort"?

"Make an effort" is the present tense form, used for general statements or instructions. "Made an effort" is the past tense, used to describe a specific instance where effort was exerted.

What's the difference between "made an effort" and "tried"?

"Tried" is a general term for attempting something. "Made an effort" emphasizes the amount of energy and determination that was put into the attempt, suggesting a more significant or deliberate action.