put a lot of effort

USAGE SUMMARY

"put a lot of effort" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to emphasize the need to expend a lot of energy and resources in order to achieve a goal. For example: "If we want to succeed in this project, we need to put a lot of effort into it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I think they've put a lot of effort into it".

The New York Times

You've put a lot of effort into your story.

The Guardian

Costa Rica has put a lot of effort into protecting its turtles.

The New York Times

But Google has put a lot of effort into making things effortless.

The New York Times - Tech

Christian had clearly put a lot of effort into the videos.

The New York Times

"They put a lot of effort in, and they get chewed up by 25 third graders".

The New York Times

We put a lot of effort into implementing the training we received.

The New York Times

Business gurus put a lot of effort into identifying desirable characteristics.

The Economist

We put a lot of effort into explaining this to our youngsters.

Independent

We put a lot of effort into our lineout, both in attack and defence.

The Guardian - Sport

And they've really put a lot of effort into thinking about what's the alternative?

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "put a lot of effort", consider specifying the area where effort is applied for clarity. For example, instead of saying "They put a lot of effort", specify, "They put a lot of effort into researching the market".

Common error

Avoid using "put a lot of effort" without indicating the target of the effort. Saying "We put a lot of effort" lacks impact; instead, clarify by stating what the effort was directed towards, such as "We put a lot of effort into streamlining the process."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "put a lot of effort" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the action of investing significant energy or resources into something. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in various contexts, showcasing its ability to convey dedication and hard work.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "put a lot of effort" is a common and grammatically sound way to express significant dedication to a task. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s widely used across diverse contexts, from news and media to scientific research. While versatile, it's best practice to specify the area where effort is applied for clarity. Alternatives such as "dedicate substantial time" or "invest significant resources" can add nuance, depending on the context. Overall, it’s a reliable and effective phrase for emphasizing commitment and hard work.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

try very hard

A more direct and simpler way of expressing great effort.

exert considerable energy

Emphasizes the expenditure of energy more directly, highlighting the active use of power or force.

invest significant resources

Focuses on the resources allocated, which could include time, money, or personnel, rather than just effort.

dedicate substantial time

Highlights the amount of time committed to something, specifying a key resource.

apply oneself diligently

Focuses on the consistent and careful application of one's abilities to a task.

make a determined attempt

Stresses the resolve and intention behind the effort, suggesting a strong commitment to success.

work assiduously

Highlights the diligence and persistence in carrying out the work.

strain every nerve

Implies pushing oneself to the absolute limit, often in a high-pressure situation.

throw oneself into

Indicates a complete and enthusiastic dedication to the task at hand.

go to great lengths

Suggests taking extensive or extreme measures to achieve something.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "put a lot of effort" for variety?

Consider using alternatives such as "dedicate substantial time", "invest significant resources", or "try very hard" to add nuance to your writing.

Is it better to say "put a lot of effort in" or "put a lot of effort into"?

While both are acceptable, "put a lot of effort into" is generally preferred as it directly indicates the recipient or target of the effort. For example, "We put a lot of effort into the project" is clearer than "We put a lot of effort in the project."

What does it mean to "put a lot of effort" into something?

To "put a lot of effort" into something means to dedicate significant time, energy, and resources towards achieving a specific goal or improving a particular aspect of a task or project. It implies a strong commitment and a willingness to work hard.

Can "put a lot of effort" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "put a lot of effort" is suitable for both formal and informal writing. However, in formal contexts, consider using more sophisticated alternatives like "exert considerable energy" or "apply oneself diligently" for a more professional tone.