our best efforts

USAGE SUMMARY

"our best efforts" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to a group of people working together to achieve something, for example: "We have come so far due to our best efforts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Unfortunately," the DOE reports, "our best efforts have not turned around the school".

Huffington Post

She's dying despite our best efforts".

The New York Times

Even our best efforts can't do that.

The New York Times - Magazine

"And nationally, the disparity has remained despite our best efforts".

The New York Times

"Despite our best efforts, oil may go beyond our defenses.

The New Yorker

Ratcliffe said: "Occasionally things happen despite our best efforts.

The Guardian

These attacks occurred despite our best efforts to buy support from local leaders.

The New York Times

Despite our best efforts, a significant photo-op occasionally slips past our radar.

The New Yorker

"However, I believe Nebraskans are expecting our best efforts to determine if alternatives exist".

The New York Times

Despite our best efforts, more financial crises are likely to occur.

The New York Times

The Tele pushes us back into the leaners corner, despite our best efforts to leave it.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using "our best efforts" to temper expectations, especially when discussing potential failures or challenges. It acknowledges the work done while setting a realistic outlook.

Common error

Avoid using "our best efforts" as a justification for poor results without providing context. Instead, accompany the phrase with a transparent explanation of the challenges faced or the strategies employed to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "our best efforts" functions as a noun phrase, often used as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to the collective attempts and endeavors undertaken by a group to achieve a specific goal. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

22%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "our best efforts" is a commonly used and grammatically correct noun phrase that signifies the collective attempts and dedication of a group towards a goal. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability in written English. Predominantly found in news, scientific, and formal business contexts, this phrase conveys commitment and diligence, often used to assure or explain outcomes. While versatile, it's important to use it with clarity, defining who "our" refers to. Remember not to misuse it as a mere excuse, but as a genuine indicator of exerted effort. Consider alternative phrases like "our utmost dedication" or "our greatest endeavors" for varied expression. With its frequent use across diverse sources, "our best efforts" remains a valuable phrase in formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

our utmost dedication

Emphasizes the highest level of commitment and zeal in the actions taken. It shifts the focus from effort to dedication.

our greatest endeavors

Highlights the scale and ambition of the attempts made, framing them as significant undertakings rather than simple efforts.

all our attempts

Focuses on a set of actions, without necessarily implying success. It shifts the focus from the quality of the effort to the quantity of attempts.

our maximum exertion

Stresses the high degree of energy and force applied. It shifts the focus from effort to the amount of energy used.

our most significant attempt

Focuses on the importance and gravity of the actions. It adds importance to the attempt.

our full commitment

Emphasizes dedication and responsibility taken. The change of focus goes to dedication.

our most strenuous try

Highlights how demanding was the experience of trying to get something.

our dedicated attempt

Focuses on dedication and the intent to perform some action.

our resources and energy

This alternative specifies the input used in pursuing a goal. It makes the sentence longer, but more explicit.

our concerted action

Highlights the coordinated and joint nature of the effort. It focuses more on collaboration than on the effort itself.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "our best efforts" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "our utmost endeavors", "our greatest dedication", or "our maximum exertion", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "our best effort" instead of "our best efforts"?

While "our best effort" is grammatically correct, it implies a single, unified attempt. "Our best efforts" is generally more appropriate when referring to a collection of actions or sustained activity.

When is it appropriate to use "our best efforts" in a sentence?

Use "our best efforts" when you want to convey that a group has dedicated significant resources and energy to achieving a goal, especially when the outcome is uncertain or challenging. It acknowledges the work done, regardless of the result.

What's the difference between "our best efforts" and "our best intentions"?

"Our best efforts" refers to the actions and work undertaken, while "our best intentions" refers to the motivations and desires behind those actions. You might have good intentions, but your efforts may still fall short.