made an effort to

USAGE SUMMARY

"made an effort to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are trying to describe someone taking an action to achieve something, especially if it was difficult or required some effort. For example: "He made an effort to finish the race, but came in last place."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Selig also made an effort to defend the deal.

The New York Times - Sports

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

The New York Times

Here everyone has made an effort to make it work.

The Guardian - Sport

She had made an effort to believe in an afterworld.

The New Yorker

But regardless, I made an effort to get out here and play a couple tournaments.

The New York Times - Sports

"They made an effort to make us feel supported," Mr. Lane said.

The New York Times

In their initial marketing campaign, they made an effort to point out the story's uniqueness.

The New Yorker

Since independence the government has made an effort to improve health care services.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Unlike the other scruffy village children, Meena made an effort to stay presentable.

The New York Times

"Agencies that have made an effort to bring in fresh talent are getting hotter".

The New York Times

"He always made an effort to be at those things," she said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "made an effort to", ensure the context clearly indicates the goal or purpose of the effort. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "made an effort to" when the action taken was minimal or trivial. It's best reserved for situations where genuine effort was involved.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "made an effort to" functions as a verbal phrase indicating that someone has consciously attempted to do something. It implies a degree of intention and work put into the action, as supported by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

32%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "made an effort to" is a versatile phrase used to describe a conscious attempt to achieve something. It's grammatically correct, widely used, and applicable in many contexts, as verified by Ludwig. While "tried to" serves as a simpler alternative, "made an effort to" often conveys a more sustained and intentional action. Whether you're writing news, scientific reports, or casual content, this phrase is a reliable way to express intentional action. As always, make sure the degree of effort is proportional to the situation you are describing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tried to

This is a simpler and more direct way of expressing an attempt.

attempted to

Similar to "tried to" but can sometimes imply a less successful outcome.

aimed to

This focuses on the intention or goal of the effort.

sought to

This suggests a more deliberate and purposeful attempt.

endeavored to

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes a serious attempt.

strove to

Implies a sustained and determined effort, often against obstacles.

worked towards

Focuses on the process and direction of the effort.

took steps to

Highlights the specific actions taken to achieve something.

exerted oneself to

This implies significant personal effort and energy expenditure.

undertook to

A more formal and somewhat archaic way of saying "made an effort to".

FAQs

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

Use "made an effort to" to describe a situation where someone consciously tried to achieve a specific goal, such as, "She "made an effort to" learn Spanish before her trip to Spain."

What are some alternatives to "made an effort to"?

You can use alternatives like "tried to", "attempted to", or "endeavored to" depending on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is "made an effort to" formal or informal?

"Made an effort to" is generally considered neutral in formality, suitable for both casual and professional contexts. More formal alternatives exist, such as "endeavored to".

What is the difference between "made an effort to" and "tried to"?

While both phrases indicate an attempt, "made an effort to" often suggests a more deliberate and sustained attempt than "tried to". The intensity of the action could be higher when using "made an effort to".