make a deliberate effort

USAGE SUMMARY

"make a deliberate effort" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means to make a conscious and intentional attempt to do something. Example: I know it's hard, but you need to make a deliberate effort to focus on your studies if you want to do well on the exam.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

If my brain is to compute them I have to make a deliberate effort.

The Guardian

Not all e-cigarette companies embrace experiential authenticity the way NJOY does, and some make a deliberate effort at difference.

The New York Times

It is heavy, it pulls you down, and you have to make a deliberate effort to overcome it.

The Guardian - Books

More of what we need to do will become obvious as we make a deliberate effort to examine all the junctures where America and the world meet.

The New York Times

The sun had to condense out of gas and spawn a string of planets, and ours had to cool to this ideal temperature where the water doesn't boil unless you make a deliberate effort and add a spoonful of Kenco.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I think it is something where we do make a deliberate effort to basically promote the right values and attract the right people both in an inclusive sense and in an exclusive sense," he said.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

"I made a deliberate effort not to read ahead".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

When they were researching the show, they made a deliberate effort to search out feminist porn.

Independent

Isis, for its part, is making a deliberate effort to advertise its reach.

The Guardian

The woodland and gardens are calming and makes a deliberate effort not to sell you plastic tat at every corner.

The Guardian - Travel

Bumrungrad has made a deliberate effort not to look or smell like a hospital, softening its decor and filtering its air.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "make a deliberate effort" when you want to emphasize a conscious and intentional attempt, rather than a casual or accidental action. This phrase adds weight to the intention behind the action.

Common error

Avoid pairing "deliberate effort" with redundant adjectives like "very" or adverbs like "really". The word "deliberate" already implies intention and focus, so adding intensifiers can weaken the impact of your writing. Opt for stronger verbs or more descriptive context instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make a deliberate effort" functions as a verbal phrase indicating a conscious and intentional attempt to achieve a specific goal. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts. It sets the tone for describing planned actions, not accidental ones.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

24%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "make a deliberate effort" is a versatile phrase that highlights the intentionality behind an action. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable. It’s commonly found in news, scientific, and business contexts, indicating a neutral to professional tone. When using this phrase, consider replacing it with synonyms like ""make a concerted effort"" or ""consciously strive"" for variety, and avoid redundant intensifiers. Remember, this phrase stresses planned action over accidental occurrence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make a concerted effort

Emphasizes a planned and coordinated effort.

take decisive action

Highlights taking firm and determined steps.

consciously strive

Focuses on the awareness and intent behind the effort.

intentionally commit oneself

Emphasizes personal dedication and purpose.

purposefully endeavor

Highlights the specific goal behind the effort.

actively pursue

Focuses on the energetic and ongoing nature of the effort.

assiduously work

Stresses the diligence and persistence involved.

apply oneself diligently

Emphasizes focused and careful application of effort.

undertake a focused initiative

Highlights the concentrated nature of the activity.

resolutely engage

Focuses on firm determination and active involvement.

FAQs

How can I use "make a deliberate effort" in a sentence?

You can use "make a deliberate effort" to describe consciously trying to achieve a specific goal. For example, "I "made a deliberate effort" to improve my communication skills this year".

What are some alternatives to "make a deliberate effort"?

Some alternatives include "make a concerted effort", "take decisive action", or "consciously strive". Each option emphasizes a slightly different aspect of intentional action.

Is it better to say "make a deliberate effort" or "try hard"?

"Make a deliberate effort" implies a thoughtful and intentional approach, while "try hard" suggests putting in a lot of energy. The best choice depends on the context. "Make a deliberate effort" often suits formal situations, while "try hard" may be fine in casual settings.

What's the difference between "make a deliberate effort" and "make a conscious effort"?

While very similar, "make a deliberate effort" suggests a calculated and intentional action, whereas "make a conscious effort" emphasizes awareness and mindful attention. The distinction is subtle, but "deliberate" implies more planning and purpose.