make an effort to do something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "make an effort to do something" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when encouraging someone to try or exert themselves to achieve a particular goal or task. Example: "I encourage you to make an effort to do something meaningful in your community this year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

* * * I will say to the Senator from Massachusetts, in the light of the ruling of the Chair, that before the Congress adjourns I shall certainly make an effort to do something to bring about a change, so that there will not be dissatisfaction among the various services.

Cornell University

"Let's make an effort to do something about it". Carroll's call to Tice, a mentor and motivational expert, led to more phone calls.

Los Angeles Times

Make an effort to do something spontaneous, completely unexpected, and incredibly exciting at least every few weeks just to keep stoking the embers of your romance.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

This is all sad, especially in the United States, because a few people have made an effort to do something serious with the grape.

The New York Times - Food

It's also not the first time Google has made an effort to do something cool to bring in the use of uncommon languages to the Internet.

TechCrunch

Recognizing that which does not work in your life and making an effort to do something different.

Huffington Post

After working through the steps above, make an intentional effort to do something life-giving.

Huffington Post

At no point has the government made serious efforts to do something similar.

The Guardian

We await with interest other efforts to do something similar.

British Medical Journal

You don't have to raise your hand after every question, but you should make an effort to talk when you have something to say.

WikiHow

Rather than prescription pads, I would like to see something done in rehab, something where they're making an effort to help these folks get better".

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "make an effort to do something" when you want to convey the importance of trying, even if the outcome is uncertain. It implies a commitment and active participation.

Common error

Avoid using "make an effort to do something" if there's no follow-through. If the effort isn't genuine or sustained, consider using a more tentative phrase like "thought about doing something".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make an effort to do something" functions as an infinitive phrase often used as a verb complement or to express intention. It suggests a conscious decision to exert oneself towards achieving a specific goal. Ludwig confirms its correct and usable form.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "make an effort to do something" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to express intention, commitment, and active participation towards achieving a goal. Ludwig confirms its proper usage and widespread applicability across various contexts, including news, media, and academic settings. The phrase conveys a stronger sense of dedication than simply "trying", emphasizing the importance of actively striving towards a desired outcome. Related alternatives include "try to take action" or "strive to achieve something", each offering slightly different nuances. A key takeaway is to ensure genuine follow-through when using the phrase, aligning intent with actual effort.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make an attempt

Reduces the sense of commitment implied in the original phrase.

try to take action

Focuses on the attempt to initiate action, omitting the specific emphasis on 'effort'.

strive to achieve something

Highlights the striving or struggle involved in achieving a goal, adding intensity.

commit to taking action

Focuses on the commitment aspect more than the effort itself.

endeavor to accomplish

A more formal and emphatic way of saying 'try to do something'.

put in work to do something

Emphasizes labor involved rather than the intention and commitment of 'effort'.

take steps to act

Emphasizes specific steps taken toward action, rather than the general effort.

dedicate energy to a task

Emphasizes energy allocation and dedication towards a specific task, providing more clarity.

exert oneself to act

Highlights the personal exertion required, adding emphasis on personal involvement.

undertake an initiative

Implies a proactive approach and starting something new.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "make an effort to do something" for different contexts?

Depending on the context, you can use "try to take action", "strive to achieve something", or "endeavor to accomplish". Each carries a slightly different nuance.

Is it better to say "make an effort to do something" or "try to do something"?

"Make an effort to do something" implies a stronger commitment and a more conscious attempt than simply "try to do something". The former suggests dedication, while the latter is more general.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "make an effort to do something"?

Use "make an effort to do something" when you want to emphasize the importance of actively trying and committing to a task, even if the outcome is not guaranteed. It's suitable in both formal and informal settings.

What does it mean to "make an effort to do something"?

To "make an effort to do something" means to consciously and actively try to achieve a particular goal or task. It suggests dedication, commitment, and the willingness to exert oneself.