making an effort to learn

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "making an effort to learn" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use this phrase in the middle of a sentence such as, "John has been making an effort to learn the new software."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Many Americans, meanwhile, are making an effort to learn more about Islam.

The Economist

I might not be in the field but at least I am making an effort to learn more about helping.

The Guardian

The enormous number of opportunities I've had to travel and to work are all down to putting in a few hours here and there and making an effort to learn languages.

The Guardian

Dame Kelly Holmes has praised Manx school pupils for making an effort to learn more about the competing nations at the Commonwealth Youth Games.

BBC

By temporarily banning ICOs, it would seem that the PBOC is making an effort to learn from its prior laxity, if maybe overcompensating a bit.

TechCrunch

Because not only am I an anglophone, but I'm an American, for fuck's sake, and even I'm making an effort to learn French.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Admit what you don't know, and then make an effort to learn.

The New York Times - Travel

I had heard of dads' play groups but never made an effort to learn about them.

The Washington Post

Please make an effort to learn about this year's presidential candidates and vote.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

… The author of the article simply meant to encourage travelers to make an effort to learn some Portuguese".

The New York Times

We all made an effort to learn some Swahili, some Amharic (spoken in Ethiopia) and some Arabic.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "making an effort to learn", be specific about the subject or skill being learned to provide context and clarity. For example, instead of saying "He is making an effort to learn", say "He is making an effort to learn Spanish".

Common error

While "making an effort to learn" is perfectly acceptable, avoid overuse in formal contexts. Opt for stronger verbs like "studying", "mastering", or "acquiring knowledge of" to enhance the impact of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "making an effort to learn" functions as a verbal phrase indicating an active attempt to acquire knowledge or skills. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. The phrase often appears as part of a larger clause, describing someone's intention or actions related to learning.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "making an effort to learn" is a grammatically sound and usable expression indicating a conscious attempt to gain knowledge or skills. While Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, the frequency analysis shows that it's more common in news and media, as well as Wiki contexts, but less frequent in academic or highly formal settings. When writing, remember to be specific about what someone is making an effort to learn, and consider stronger verbs for formal contexts. Alternatives like "striving to learn" or "endeavoring to learn" can provide a more formal tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

striving to learn

Emphasizes the continuous exertion of energy towards learning.

endeavoring to learn

Highlights a serious and determined attempt to learn.

taking steps to learn

Focuses on the active process and progression of learning.

trying to learn

A more general and less intense expression of attempting to learn.

seeking to learn

Stresses the act of searching and pursuing knowledge.

making a point to learn

Suggests a deliberate and conscious decision to prioritize learning.

applying oneself to learning

Highlights the dedication and focus given to the learning process.

taking the initiative to learn

Emphasizes self-starting and proactive learning.

dedicating time to learn

Highlights the commitment of resources to acquire knowledge.

showing interest in learning

Focuses on demonstrating a willingness and curiosity to learn.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "making an effort to learn" to sound more formal?

In formal contexts, you can use phrases such as "striving to learn", "endeavoring to learn", or "applying oneself to learning" to convey a more serious and determined attempt to acquire knowledge.

What's a simpler way to say "making an effort to learn"?

A simpler alternative is "trying to learn", which conveys the same basic meaning with less emphasis on the effort involved.

Is "making an effort to learn" suitable for academic writing?

While grammatically correct, "making an effort to learn" might be too informal for certain academic contexts. Consider using more precise verbs like "studying", "researching", or "investigating" depending on the specific activity.

How do I use "making an effort to learn" in a sentence?

You can use "making an effort to learn" to describe someone's active attempt to acquire new knowledge or skills, for example: "She is making an effort to learn a new language" or "The company is making an effort to learn about sustainable practices".