make an effort toward

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "make an effort toward" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the act of trying to achieve or improve something, often in a positive or proactive context. Example: "We need to make an effort toward reducing our carbon footprint to help combat climate change."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

One previous research has made an effort toward this direction.

Biology Direct

'Motivation' refers to collective desire or interest with regards to making an effort toward reaching a particular goal [ 15] and is linked to six sub-dimensions.

BMC Health Services Research

Put yourself in your exchange student's shoes; read up on his or her culture, ask him or her about his or her interests, and really make an effort to be hospitable and warm toward your new guest.

WikiHow

If the animal is pierced with 10 or more quills, has quills embedded near the mouth or eyes, or has a tendency toward aggressive behavior, make an effort to find a veterinarian.

WikiHow

Trump barely makes an effort to gesture toward economic reform, beyond his diffuse tirades about trade.

The New Yorker

Byrd-Bredbenner similarly makes an effort to direct her unemployed patients toward "the blessings" of free time.

Forbes

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

Los Angeles Times

"We need our white friends and neighbors to listen to our stories and make a concerted effort toward acknowledging our pain," he wrote.

Huffington Post

bTwo-level factor: Instructor did or did not use active-learning exercises and otherwise make a substantial effort toward correcting misconceptions.

CBE Life Sciences Education

Our analysis revealed the two misconception factors ("explaining why misconceptions are incorrect" and "using active-learning exercises to make a substantial effort toward changing misconceptions") were positively associated with learning gains on the CINS-abbr (p = 0.045 and p = 0.048, respectively).

CBE Life Sciences Education

It has made a genuine effort toward democracy and Western-style economic reforms, but it can hardly yet be called democratic.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "make an effort toward" when you want to emphasize a deliberate attempt to move closer to a goal, often in a context requiring dedication and perseverance.

Common error

While "make an effort toward" is acceptable, avoid using it excessively in a single piece of writing. Vary your language with synonyms like "strive for" or "work toward" to enhance readability and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make an effort toward" functions as a verbal phrase that indicates an action taken with intention and purpose. As Ludwig AI underlines, it's used when describing actively working towards a specific goal or objective.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "make an effort toward" signifies a deliberate and intentional attempt to move closer to a specific objective. Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, particularly where commitment and dedication are emphasized. While versatile, it's important to use it judiciously, as overuse can lead to redundancy in writing. Remember to vary language with alternatives like "strive for" or "work toward" to enhance your writing's impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Strive toward

Focuses on continuous exertion to achieve a goal.

Work toward

Implies consistent action directed at a specific outcome.

Endeavor toward

Suggests a more formal and determined attempt.

Aspire toward

Emphasizes a desire or ambition in a particular direction.

Aim toward

Indicates a clear objective and direction of effort.

Seek to achieve

Highlights the pursuit of a specific goal or result.

Take steps toward

Emphasizes the initiation of actions to reach a goal.

Move in the direction of

Focuses on progress and orientation toward a specific end.

Advance toward

Suggests forward momentum and progress toward a target.

Push for

Implies active advocacy and striving for a particular outcome.

FAQs

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

You can use "make an effort toward" to describe dedicating energy to move closer to a goal. For example, "We should "make an effort toward" sustainability".

What can I say instead of "make an effort toward"?

You can use alternatives like "strive toward", "work toward", or "endeavor toward" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "make an effort toward" in writing?

It is appropriate to use "make an effort toward" when you want to emphasize a conscious and intentional attempt to move closer to achieving a specific objective or goal. It is suitable in both formal and informal contexts.

How does "make an effort toward" differ from "try to"?

"Make an effort toward" implies a more dedicated and intentional attempt than simply "try to". "Try to" suggests a general attempt, while "make an effort toward" signifies a focused and deliberate action.