make an effort to find

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "make an effort to find" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when encouraging someone to try hard to locate or discover something. Example: "I encourage you to make an effort to find the missing documents before the deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

You should make an effort to find out.

The Guardian - Tech

So the opportunity is there, students just need to make an effort to find it.

Stanford University

The township needs to make an effort to find senior housing where it is best suited".

The New York Times

Fishermen get lost all the time, and the government doesn't make an effort to find them.

The New Yorker

The books he wrote about his art were, he said, a different matter; the reader had to make an effort to find out the information.

The Economist

He dawdled and seemed to make an effort to find something to say to everyone, before leaving with a quick goodbye.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

Ms. Lesser has made an effort to find toys made in this country or Europe this year.

The New York Times

They made an effort to find restaurants that made those foods.

The New York Times

She wants to know I'm at least making an effort to find a job".

The New York Times - Magazine

"We made an effort to find spaces that speak to the city's various aspects culturally," Mr. Strick said.

The New York Times - Arts

Many parents would offer support, like tutoring or making an effort to find healthful foods the child will enjoy.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "make an effort to find", ensure the context clearly indicates what action someone should take to discover or locate something. Be specific rather than vague.

Common error

While "make an effort to find" is acceptable, avoid repetitive use in close proximity. Vary your language by using synonyms like "try to locate" or "seek to uncover" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make an effort to find" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the action of intentionally trying to locate or discover something. As Ludwig AI points out, it emphasizes a conscious attempt to achieve a specific goal.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

20%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "make an effort to find" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to express the act of intentionally trying to locate or discover something. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across various contexts. While versatile, it's essential to use it judiciously and consider synonyms to prevent repetition. The phrase's neutral to professional register makes it appropriate for diverse writing scenarios, and its usage patterns reveal a strong presence in news and media outlets. Remember to be specific in detailing the action the subject has to make to obtain the result and avoid overuse. Overall, "make an effort to find" is a valuable addition to any writer's toolkit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

strive to locate

Emphasizes the active and determined attempt to discover something.

endeavor to discover

Highlights a serious and conscientious attempt to uncover information.

take pains to ascertain

Suggests a meticulous and careful approach to finding something out.

go to the trouble of locating

Indicates that some difficulty is involved in the act of finding.

seek to uncover

Emphasizes the intention and active pursuit of revealing something hidden.

make a point of discovering

Highlights the deliberate and intentional nature of the act of finding.

exert oneself to detect

Suggests that some energy and determination are required to find it.

try to identify

Focuses on the process of determining or recognizing something.

work towards uncovering

This suggests an ongoing effort with the ultimate goal of uncovering new information.

dedicate time to searching for

Indicates that there is a specific allocation of time set aside to find something.

FAQs

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

You can use "make an effort to find" to encourage someone to actively search for something. For example, "You should "make an effort to find" out if there are any technical problems."

What are some alternatives to "make an effort to find"?

Alternatives include "strive to locate", "endeavor to discover", or "try to identify", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to use "make an effort to find" or "try to find"?

"Make an effort to find" suggests a more deliberate and committed attempt compared to the simpler "try to find". Choose based on the degree of emphasis you want to place on the effort involved.

Which is more formal, "make an effort to find" or "try to find"?

"Make an effort to find" is generally more formal than "try to find". You might use "make an effort" in professional or academic writing, while "try" is suitable for everyday conversation.