ounce of effort

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ounce of effort" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express the idea that even a small amount of effort can lead to significant results or changes. Example: "Sometimes, all it takes is an ounce of effort to make a big difference in someone's day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

General Interest

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

"I haven't put an ounce of effort into my families.

The New York Times

He weighed nothing, but lifting the 6lbs of struggling confusion took every ounce of effort I could muster.

The Guardian - Opinion

Most often, he has been criticized for not pouring every ounce of effort into finding a comfort zone on clay.

The New York Times - Sports

Conte never spared himself an ounce of effort during the 13 years he spent in the striped black-and-white Juventus shirt, from 1991 to 2004.

The New York Times - Sports

The one sure thing when they meet next weekend is that it will take every last ounce of effort to be the winner.

The New York Times - Sports

That's also what helps it look convincing: if actors feel confident they're not going to get hurt, they'll put in that extra ounce of effort.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

We've had a great tragedy in our community, and few of us have reacted with even an ounce of the effort we've put into the fight for marriage equality.

Huffington Post

But it will take every ounce of ingenuity and effort that US allies can muster to hold back the hands of the clock.

The Guardian - Opinion

But he has decided now is the time to quit after "getting every ounce of energy and effort" out of his body.

BBC

Great leaders throughout history had a belief so strong that even if it failed it was worth every ounce of one's effort to follow it through to its ultimate conclusion.

Huffington Post

"Every ounce of strength, every mental effort.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ounce of effort" to underscore that even seemingly small inputs can yield significant results. It is more impactful than simply stating "small effort".

Common error

Avoid using "ounce of effort" when a substantial investment of energy is actually required. This can create a false impression of simplicity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ounce of effort" functions as a noun phrase, specifically a measure of effort, often used to highlight the disproportionate impact of even small actions. Ludwig examples show its use in sports, personal development, and general achievement contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Sports

25%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Science

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ounce of effort" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression denoting a small measure of exertion with potentially significant impact. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread application across various domains, including news, sports, and general interest. It’s crucial to align the scale of the phrase with the actual effort required, avoiding misrepresentation. Alternatives like "minimal exertion" or "slight endeavor" can be used depending on the nuances of the context. As a whole, "ounce of effort" is more impactful than similar expressions because it conveys a high reward/effort ratio.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

modest attempt

Focuses on the humility and limited scale of the effort.

minimal exertion

Emphasizes the small amount of energy expended.

initial attempt

Refers to the first try, often implying a limited effort.

little investment

Indicates a low level of resources committed.

slight endeavor

Highlights a minor attempt or undertaking.

basic application

Highlights the fundamental level of effort involved.

first step

Focuses on the beginning of an action, with limited initial effort.

small contribution

Stresses the limited input provided.

light touch

Implies a delicate and minimal approach to a task.

token gesture

Underscores the symbolic nature of the effort.

FAQs

How can I use "ounce of effort" in a sentence?

You can use "ounce of effort" to emphasize that even a small amount of work or dedication can produce a noticeable outcome. For instance, "Sometimes, all it takes is an ounce of effort to brighten someone's day."

What's a good alternative to "ounce of effort"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "minimal exertion", "slight endeavor", or "modest attempt".

Is it always appropriate to use "ounce of effort"?

While generally acceptable, consider the context. If the situation demands significant work, using "ounce of effort" might downplay the true commitment needed. Choose phrases that accurately reflect the required dedication.

What is the difference between "ounce of effort" and "a lot of effort"?

"Ounce of effort" suggests a small contribution, whereas "a lot of effort" implies a significant investment of time and energy. The choice depends on the actual scale of the work involved.