making an effort

USAGE SUMMARY

"making an effort" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe when someone is trying hard to accomplish a task or reach a goal. For example: She was making an effort to study for her upcoming exam.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

They were at least making an effort.

Independent

Some are making an effort.

The Guardian

"It's absolutely worth making an effort there".

The New York Times

She's making an effort to be charitable.

The Guardian

"We're making an effort," said Mr. Feith.

The New York Times

People making an effort has some benefit for the company.

The New York Times

"We're making an effort to drive awareness among luxury consumers.

The New York Times

Texas is making an effort in true winner-picking style.

The Economist

He's making an effort and that's good enough for me.

Independent

So far I've seen nothing, but he's making an effort.

Independent

Recently, Lands Endd has been making an effort to modernize.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, adjust the tone to meet the requirements of the audience and writing context. Using synonyms of “making an effort” can help meet those needs.

Common error

While grammatically correct, phrases like "an effort was made" can sound less direct and engaging than "someone is making an effort". Opt for the active voice to emphasize agency and clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "making an effort" functions as a verb phrase expressing the action of attempting or trying to achieve something. It highlights the process of engaging in activities intended to reach a specific goal, as illustrated by Ludwig examples showing various contexts where people or organizations are actively trying to achieve a result.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Wiki

22%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

6%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "making an effort" is a commonly used verb phrase that describes the act of actively trying to achieve something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely applicable in various contexts. The phrase is particularly frequent in news and media sources and, although neutral in register, it is found in multiple environments. Related phrases such as "trying hard" and "putting in the work" offer similar meanings, allowing for nuanced expression depending on the specific context. When using this phrase, focus on clarity and directness to emphasize the intention and action involved. While versatile, being mindful of the writing context enables a user to make appropriate tonal changes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

trying hard

Emphasizes the intensity of the effort being exerted.

putting in the work

Highlights the active engagement and labor involved.

doing one's best

Implies a commitment to performing at the highest possible level.

exerting oneself

Indicates a more formal and sometimes strenuous effort.

applying oneself

Highlights the dedication and focus involved in the effort.

endeavoring to

Suggests a more determined and purposeful attempt.

striving for

Focuses on the goal or outcome that the effort is directed towards.

committing to

Highlights dedication and a pledge to see something through.

taking initiative

Emphasizes the proactive nature of the effort.

giving it a shot

Suggests a more casual or experimental approach to the effort.

FAQs

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

You can use "making an effort" to describe someone actively trying to achieve something, such as, "She is making an effort to improve her grades" or "The company is making an effort to reduce its carbon footprint."

What are some alternatives to "making an effort"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "trying hard", "putting in the work", or "doing one's best".

Is it better to say "make an effort" or "making an effort"?

Both "make an effort" and "making an effort" are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "Make an effort" is often used as an imperative or infinitive, while "making an effort" is used as a continuous or present participle form.

What does it mean when someone says they are "making an effort"?

When someone says they are "making an effort", it means they are consciously and actively trying to achieve a specific goal or improve a situation, even if it requires dedication and hard work.