make a visible effort

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "make a visible effort" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when encouraging someone to put in noticeable or significant effort towards a task or goal. Example: "In order to improve your performance, you need to make a visible effort in your studies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The congress will make a visible effort to attract the loyalty of a rising entrepreneurial class.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

The Israelis also said the Palestinian police were making a visible effort to prevent shooting for the first time since the violence began in late September.

The New York Times

"If there is a new United States administration that makes a visible effort to reconstruct the European-American relationship, Europeans will go out of their way to do what they can," said Karl Kaiser, a German foreign policy analyst.

The New York Times

As Mr. Obama prepares to move into the White House, he and his top advisers are making a visible effort to engage Congressional Republicans, hoping to show they are serious about Mr. Obama's commitment to bipartisanship and to try to enact an economic recovery measure with solid support from both sides in the crucial early going.

The New York Times

It's only fairly recently that the British government has made a visible effort to help male victims of abuse.

Vice

But neither group tried to stop the shoppers and businessmen restocking their wares in Egypt, nor did Hamas make any visible effort to control or tax the thousands of cigarettes coming into Gaza, let alone the televisions, generators, washing machines, milk, cheese, sheep, goats, cows, camels, diesel fuel and gasoline.

The New York Times

Repeated it in front of friends, and made a highly visible effort to ensure that no feline-besmirched greenery found its way into her diet.

The Guardian - Opinion

A visible effort was made to mimic the look and feel of cable news, down to the hypnotic scroll of propaganda and stretched truths: the Las Vegas Review-Journal has endorsed Donald Trump! Don't worry that the paper is owned by one of Trump's biggest donors and that this is his only major newspaper endorsement!

The Guardian

UNICEF's emergency relief efforts have made a visible difference in the lives of people," said Vice-Minister Yi.  Prior to the earthquake, UNICEF had been working in Sichuan and other areas of western China enabling  UNICEF to rapidly mobilize its resources and respond immediately when the earthquake struck.

Unicef

The Eagles' green efforts "underscore the position that we are all very visible and can make a significant effort in our communities," said Roger Goodell, the commissioner of the N.F.L. "We think it's smart business and the right thing to do".

The New York Times - Sports

But he made no visible effort to connect with it.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When asking for improvements, specify areas where someone can "make a visible effort". This provides clear direction and encourages focused action.

Common error

Avoid equating "making a visible effort" with simply being busy. Ensure that the effort translates into tangible results that others can perceive and appreciate, not just perceived activity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make a visible effort" functions as a verb phrase indicating action. It suggests a conscious and demonstrable attempt to achieve a particular outcome. Ludwig indicates this phrase is correct and usable in written English, encouraging noticeable effort towards a goal.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "make a visible effort" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression that emphasizes the importance of demonstrating tangible dedication towards a goal. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness and usability. Its neutral register and frequent use in news media, business, and general contexts make it a versatile phrase. To enhance clarity, specify the areas where effort is needed and ensure the effort translates into observable results, thus avoiding the mere appearance of busyness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

put forth a noticeable attempt

This option replaces "effort" with "attempt" and uses "put forth" instead of "make".

demonstrate clear commitment

This alternative focuses on showing dedication through actions rather than just effort.

display an obvious exertion

This option highlights the exertion or strain involved in the effort, making it clear to observers.

exert a tangible endeavor

This alternative uses more formal vocabulary, replacing "effort" with "endeavor" and "visible" with "tangible".

make a manifest try

This emphasizes that the attempt is clear and unmistakable.

present a conspicuous striving

This suggests a very obvious and determined effort to achieve something.

offer a plain endeavor

This indicates a straightforward and easily seen attempt.

show a marked application

This phrase emphasizes the application of oneself to a task, with "marked" indicating it is noticeable.

give a prominent push

Replaces the abstract 'effort' with the more concrete 'push', indicating a strong and noticeable attempt.

take apparent steps

Focuses on the actions taken being easily seen and understood.

FAQs

How can I show that I "make a visible effort"?

Demonstrate initiative by actively participating, meeting deadlines, and communicating progress clearly. Ensure your contributions are noticeable and impactful.

What's a less formal way to say "make a visible effort"?

You could say "put in a noticeable attempt" or "really try" depending on the context. These options are less formal while conveying a similar meaning.

Is it better to "make a visible effort" or "make a genuine effort"?

It depends on the context. "Make a visible effort" emphasizes the observable aspect of the effort, while "make a genuine effort" stresses sincerity and commitment, regardless of how it appears to others.

What does it mean to "make a visible effort" in the workplace?

It means to actively demonstrate your commitment to your job through consistent performance, proactive problem-solving, and positive engagement with colleagues.