minor effort

USAGE SUMMARY

'minor effort' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
For example, you could write: "With a minimal amount of effort, I was able to complete the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

It is worth the minor effort.

The New York Times

It's a company-friendly endeavor that takes a little more forethought (marinating!), some minor effort with the coals (indirect heat!) and a bit of concentration.

The New York Times - Food

The film, Allen's first to be shot in digital, was praised for its beautiful depictions of Los Angeles but was otherwise considered a somewhat minor effort.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But the Bush administration has a way of presenting a major policy change as a minor effort to tidy up cumbersome rules.

The New York Times

We made clear that this program was not a minor effort but neither was it the "Big Brother" project that some have alleged.

The New York Times

Cary Grant gave what some critics considered to be the worst performance of his career as the "normal" nephew of loony aunts in this minor effort from Capra, made hastily before he entered the army during World War II.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

Both are minor efforts, and bothh are necessary.

The Economist

He resisted even the most minor efforts to regulate practices that many media critics saw as unseemly.

The New York Times

"In the Night" and "In G Major," which completed the program with Balanchine's "Concerto Barocco," are minor efforts by Jerome Robbins.

The New York Times - Arts

Most of the works are from the 1970s through the '90s, and feel like minor efforts, or the work of painters past their prime.

The New York Times

Up to now, there have been minor efforts compared to the investments made to run the fossil-fueled world.

European Journal of Futures Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "minor effort" when you want to emphasize that something requires very little work or energy. It's suitable for describing tasks, adjustments, or contributions that are not demanding.

Common error

Avoid using "minor effort" when the task actually requires significant planning, resources, or skill. This can mislead your audience and undermine the credibility of your statement.

Linguistic Context

"Minor effort" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a preposition (e.g., "with minor effort") or as a subject complement. It describes the degree of energy or resources required for a task. Ludwig's examples showcase it in both technical and general contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

48%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Academia

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "minor effort" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe tasks or actions that require little energy or resources. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts, ranging from scientific reports to news articles. Related phrases include "minimal exertion" and "slight undertaking". When using "minor effort", ensure that the task genuinely requires a limited amount of work to avoid misrepresenting the situation. The phrase is appropriate for formal writing, but maintain neutrality in your claims about the effort involved.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

minimal exertion

Emphasizes the small amount of energy or work required.

slight undertaking

Highlights the small scale of the task or project.

small task

Focuses on the diminutive size of the endeavor.

easy task

Highlights the easiness of the endeavor.

modest attempt

Suggests a limited or restrained approach to the activity.

light work

Implies a task that is not burdensome or difficult.

casual endeavor

Underscores the informal and relaxed nature of the undertaking.

simple action

Highlights the straightforward and uncomplicated nature of the activity.

low intensity activity

Focuses on the minimal level of energy or effort involved.

trivial pursuit

Conveys the idea that the activity is of little significance or consequence.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "minor effort" in a sentence?

You can use alternatives like "minimal exertion", "slight undertaking", or "small task" depending on the specific context.

What does it mean when something requires "minor effort"?

When something requires "minor effort", it means that the task is easy to complete and does not demand much energy, time, or resources. It suggests the action is simple and straightforward.

Is it appropriate to use "minor effort" in formal writing?

Yes, "minor effort" can be used in formal writing, especially in scientific and technical contexts, to objectively describe the level of difficulty or resources needed for a particular task or procedure. The suitability will depend on the specific audience and purpose.

What's the difference between "minor effort" and "major undertaking"?

"Minor effort" describes a task requiring little time and resources, while "major undertaking" signifies a complex task that demands significant time, planning, and resources. They represent opposite ends of a spectrum of task complexity.