makes an effort

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "makes an effort" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone trying hard to achieve something or to accomplish a task. Example: "She always makes an effort to arrive on time for meetings, showing her commitment to the team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He makes an effort.

The Guardian - Film

Godzilla: The Game certainly makes an effort.

The Guardian - Tech

Cavett makes an effort to eschew cliches and formulas.

The New Yorker

But at least her magazine makes an effort, sort of.

The New York Times - Books

Naturally, she makes an effort to lead by example.

The Guardian - Film

Pitchfork makes an effort to include some hip-hop.

The New York Times - Arts

"He makes an effort to always be around the ball".

The New York Times - Sports

Despite its upscale tone, ART HK makes an effort to accommodate the young and uninitiated.

The New York Times

The movie makes an effort to keep the viewer off balance.

The New Yorker

This book makes an effort to stay clear of reductivist views of the two Cartesian substances.

Stanford University

[cartoon id= a13935"] The movie makes an effort to keep the viewer off balance.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "makes an effort" to highlight intentional and noticeable attempts at improvement or achievement.

Common error

Avoid using "makes an effort" when a more specific verb could describe the action more precisely. For example, instead of "He makes an effort to communicate clearly", consider "He articulates his points carefully."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "makes an effort" functions as a verb phrase, indicating that someone is actively attempting to achieve a particular goal or accomplish a specific task. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread usage across numerous contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Science

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "makes an effort" is a commonly used verb phrase that signifies intentional action toward a goal. Ludwig's analysis confirms it's grammatically correct and versatile, suitable for diverse contexts from news reports to academic discussions. Its high frequency and neutral tone make it a reliable choice for expressing commitment and deliberate attempts. When you want to emphasize intentionality and noticeable actions, "makes an effort" is a strong option. However, consider more specific verbs when possible, avoiding vague language and enhancing clarity. As Ludwig AI suggests, understanding its nuances ensures effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tries hard

Emphasizes the intensity of the attempt or endeavor.

does one's best

Emphasizes the commitment to perform at one's highest level.

exerts oneself

Highlights the physical or mental energy expended.

strives

Suggests a continuous and determined attempt.

goes the extra mile

Indicates exceeding the minimum requirement with additional effort.

endeavors

Indicates a serious and determined attempt.

takes pains

Highlights the care and attention given to the attempt.

applies oneself

Focuses on the dedication and focus brought to the task.

puts in the work

Emphasizes the practical action and labor involved.

gives it a shot

Suggests an attempt with an uncertain outcome.

FAQs

How can I use "makes an effort" in a sentence?

You can use "makes an effort" to describe someone intentionally trying to achieve a goal. For instance, "She "tries hard" to learn new skills", or "The team "strives" to improve its performance".

What are some alternatives to "makes an effort"?

Alternatives include "tries hard", "endeavors", or "strives", depending on the context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "makes an effort" and "tries hard"?

"Makes an effort" and "tries hard" are quite similar. "Tries hard" /s/emphasizes+the+intensity of the attempt, while "makes an effort" focuses on the intentionality and action taken to achieve something. The best choice depends on the specific context.

When is it best to use "makes an effort" over other similar phrases?

Use "makes an effort" when you want to emphasize the visible actions and steps someone is taking to achieve a goal, highlighting their proactive approach. It's suitable when the attempt is noticeable and deliberate.