makes an effort to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "makes an effort to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone trying to achieve something or to indicate a level of commitment to a task or goal. Example: "She always makes an effort to help her colleagues whenever they need assistance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Cavett makes an effort to eschew cliches and formulas.

The New Yorker

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

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

The New Yorker

In Alemão, it seems the police makes an effort to hide them.

The Guardian

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

The New Yorker

Like most developed democracies, New Zealand makes an effort to welcome visitors in a friendly manner.

The New Yorker

In fact, the production makes an effort to be an exotic circus.

The New York Times

Youth culture moves fast, and Hollywood barely makes an effort to keep up.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing reports or evaluations, use "makes an effort to" to acknowledge an individual's attempt, even if the results are not fully successful. This shows fairness and recognition of the attempt.

Common error

While "makes an effort to" is grammatically correct, overuse can make your writing sound stiff. In casual conversation or informal writing, consider simpler alternatives like "tries to" or "attempts to" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "makes an effort to" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the initiation of an action with intention. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. It modifies a verb, describing the nature of the action taken.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "makes an effort to" is a grammatically sound and very common verbal phrase used to describe a conscious and intentional attempt to do something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for various contexts, particularly in News & Media, Science and Formal & Business settings. It conveys intent and willingness. For more informal situations, consider using alternatives such as "tries to" or "attempts to". Remember that while grammatically correct, overuse can make writing sound stiff, especially in casual conversations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tries to

Replaces "makes an effort" with a simpler verb, focusing on the act of attempting.

attempts to

Similar to 'tries to' but may imply a more formal or deliberate attempt.

endeavors to

A more formal and elevated way of saying 'tries to'.

strives to

Emphasizes continuous or determined effort.

seeks to

Suggests a directed effort toward a specific goal.

aims to

Indicates a specific goal or target is the focus of the effort.

works to

Focuses on the actions taken to achieve something.

takes steps to

Highlights the specific actions undertaken.

exerts oneself to

Emphasizes the personal investment of energy or effort.

applies oneself to

Focuses on directing one's skills and energy towards a task.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "makes an effort to"?

You can use alternatives like "tries to", "attempts to", or "endeavors to" depending on the context.

How to use "makes an effort to" in a sentence?

You can use "makes an effort to" to describe someone intentionally trying to achieve a goal. For example: "She always "makes an effort to" help her colleagues."

What's the difference between "makes an effort to" and "tries to"?

"Makes an effort to" implies a deliberate and conscious attempt, possibly with more sustained commitment, while "tries to" is a more general term for attempting something.

Is "make an effort to" grammatically correct?

Yes, "make an effort to" is grammatically correct. The third-person singular form, "makes an effort to", is used when the subject is singular (e.g., "He "makes an effort to" arrive on time").