make a sincere effort

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "make a sincere effort" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when encouraging someone to try their best or to put genuine effort into a task or situation. Example: "In order to succeed in this project, you need to make a sincere effort to collaborate with your teammates."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

Firms joining the compact are expected to make a "sincere effort" to aspire to these principles.

The Economist

"We are saying that the industry should make a sincere effort to be part of the solution," Mudd concluded.

The New York Times - Magazine

"The public has double-crossed the dealers every time they've tried to make a sincere effort on this thing," Mr. Ziegler said.

The New York Times

Troops were told to use less aggressive tactics and to make a sincere effort to win over and protect the local population.

BBC

The viewpoint is understandable, especially from those who make a sincere effort to dress professionally.

Huffington Post

-- In a Vatican meeting, Pope Francis urges Russian President Vladimir Putin to make a "sincere effort" toward peace in Ukraine.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

But no one is making a sincere effort at peace".

The New York Times

But perhaps the most disingenuous thing Boehner said was this: I want you to know that I made a sincere effort to work with the President….

The New Yorker

Then he criticised the government for not making a sincere effort to hold elections by this April, to replace the parliament the king dismissed in 2002.

The Economist

Madden NFL 13 makes a sincere effort to delight in new ways, principally through a new physics engine that delivers eye-popping hits and breathtaking broken-tackle runs.

The New York Times - Arts

Senator Obama touched on this when he talked about the need for certain policy changes to make it easier for young men to fulfill their parental obligations — for example, offering tax incentives and job training to those making a sincere effort.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "make a sincere effort", ensure the context reflects a genuine commitment to achieving a goal or improving a situation. Avoid using it sarcastically or in situations where the effort is clearly lacking.

Common error

Be careful not to equate "making a sincere effort" with guaranteed success. The phrase emphasizes the attempt, not the result. A sincere effort can still lead to failure, and it's important to acknowledge the effort independently of the outcome.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make a sincere effort" functions as a verbal phrase indicating an active attempt to achieve a goal with genuine intention. It emphasizes the quality of the effort rather than simply the action itself. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Wiki

16%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "make a sincere effort" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase for expressing genuine commitment and earnest attempts. Ludwig AI confirms its wide applicability across various contexts, particularly in news, media and general writing. While it doesn't guarantee success, it emphasizes the importance of trying one's best with honesty and dedication. Remember to use this phrase when you want to highlight the quality of effort and avoid equating it with a guaranteed outcome.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make a genuine attempt

Replaces "sincere" with its direct synonym "genuine".

make a real attempt

Replaces "sincere" with "real", focusing on the authenticity of the attempt.

try one's best

Focuses on the level of effort exerted rather than the genuineness of the attempt.

put your heart into it

Emphasizes emotional investment and dedication.

give it your all

Highlights the completeness of the effort.

exert oneself

More formal and emphasizes physical or mental exertion.

do your utmost

Highlights doing the best that one can.

go the extra mile

Suggests exceeding expectations and putting in additional effort.

throw yourself into something

Focuses on the enthusiasm and energy invested.

undertake wholeheartedly

Emphasizes the complete and enthusiastic nature of the undertaking.

FAQs

What does "make a sincere effort" mean?

To "make a sincere effort" means to try your best and put genuine effort into doing something. It suggests an honest and earnest attempt to achieve a goal or improve a situation.

What can I say instead of "make a sincere effort"?

You can use alternatives like "make a genuine attempt", "try one's best", or "give it your all" depending on the context.

How do I use "make a sincere effort" in a sentence?

Use "make a sincere effort" when you want to emphasize that someone is trying their best with honesty and dedication. For example: "In order to improve, you must make a sincere effort to practice every day."

Is there a difference between "make a sincere effort" and "make a serious effort"?

While both phrases suggest a commitment to trying, "make a sincere effort" emphasizes the honesty and genuineness of the attempt, whereas "make a serious effort" focuses on the intensity and dedication involved. "Make a sincere effort" suggests honesty, while "make a serious effort" implies a high level of focus and determination.