making a sincere effort

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "making a sincere effort" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who is genuinely trying to achieve something or improve in a particular area. Example: "Despite the challenges, she is making a sincere effort to learn the new software."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

But no one is making a sincere effort at peace".

The New York Times

Then he criticised the government for not making a sincere effort to hold elections by this April, to replace the parliament the king dismissed in 2002.

The Economist

A new vitality has been injected into the federation by addressing the grievances of smaller provinces when allocating national finances and resources.Take the package given to Baluchistan and the amnesty to political dissidents, which address long-held complaints by making a sincere effort, for the first time, to listen to the people of Baluchistan with sympathy.

The Economist

Senator Obama touched on this when he talked about the need for certain policy changes to make it easier for young men to fulfill their parental obligations — for example, offering tax incentives and job training to those making a sincere effort.

The New York Times

And, too, there is something fundamentally wrong in creating a dependency on outside assistance without making a sincere effort to give these people the tools to live independent productive lives.

Pastoralism: Research, Policy and Practice

Harris, the founder of the weekly newspaper Real Change, which bills itself as the "voice of Seattle's poor and homeless," feels the city is making a sincere effort to combat homelessness.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Firms joining the compact are expected to make a "sincere effort" to aspire to these principles.

The Economist

"We are saying that the industry should make a sincere effort to be part of the solution," Mudd concluded.

The New York Times - Magazine

But perhaps the most disingenuous thing Boehner said was this: I want you to know that I made a sincere effort to work with the President….

The New Yorker

Madden NFL 13 makes a sincere effort to delight in new ways, principally through a new physics engine that delivers eye-popping hits and breathtaking broken-tackle runs.

The New York Times - Arts

"The public has double-crossed the dealers every time they've tried to make a sincere effort on this thing," Mr. Ziegler said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "making a sincere effort", ensure the context clearly defines the goal or area where the effort is being applied for maximum impact. For instance, instead of saying "He is making a sincere effort", specify "He is making a sincere effort to improve his communication skills".

Common error

Avoid using "making a sincere effort" without specifying the area of focus. Vague usage diminishes the phrase's impact. Always clarify what the effort pertains to for clarity and effectiveness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "making a sincere effort" functions as a verbal phrase, often acting as part of the predicate in a sentence. It describes the action of genuinely attempting to achieve something, underscoring the intent and commitment behind the action. As Ludwig AI highlights, it is generally considered grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Wiki

16%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

14%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "making a sincere effort" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to convey genuine commitment and intent. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. Predominantly found in news and media, it assures dedication towards a goal. For clearer communication, always specify the area where the effort is being applied. Alternatives include "putting in an earnest attempt" and "showing a dedicated resolve". By understanding its proper context and usage, you can effectively communicate genuine commitment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

putting in an earnest attempt

Emphasizes the genuineness of the attempt.

exerting a genuine endeavor

Highlights the energy and commitment involved.

demonstrating a heartfelt commitment

Focuses on the emotional investment in the effort.

showing a dedicated resolve

Underscores the determination and focus of the effort.

committing oneself wholeheartedly

Highlights the complete dedication to the task.

dedicating serious attention

Focuses on the level of focus and concentration applied.

applying oneself diligently

Emphasizes the careful and persistent application of effort.

endeavoring conscientiously

Highlights the moral and ethical aspect of the effort.

investing considerable energy

Stresses the amount of energy being put into the task.

undertaking with great dedication

Highlights the commitment and purpose behind the effort.

FAQs

How can I use "making a sincere effort" in a sentence?

Use "making a sincere effort" to describe someone who is genuinely trying to achieve something or improve in a specific area. For example: "Despite the challenges, she is making a sincere effort to learn the new software".

What can I say instead of "making a sincere effort"?

You can use alternatives like "putting in an earnest attempt", "exerting a genuine endeavor", or "showing a dedicated resolve" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "making a sincere effort" or "making an honest effort"?

Both phrases are similar, but "making a sincere effort" emphasizes genuine intent and commitment, while "making an honest effort" underscores integrity and truthfulness in the attempt. The best choice depends on the specific context.

What's the difference between "making a sincere effort" and "trying hard"?

"Making a sincere effort" suggests a deeper level of commitment and genuine intent compared to "trying hard", which can sometimes imply simple exertion without necessarily indicating genuine dedication.