real effort

USAGE SUMMARY

"real effort" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to emphasize how much energy someone is putting into something. For example: "John put in a real effort to finish the project on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Bouton makes a real effort, too.

The New York Times - Books

This is a sign of real effort.

The Guardian - Film

She makes little real effort to dominate circumstances.

The New Yorker

After attempting Saturday's challenge the real effort starts.

Independent

It takes real effort to tackle a problem like this".

The New York Times

We've been making a real effort to do that.

Harvard University

Subjects carry out a sequence of real effort tasks.

Journal of Economic Psychology

The Mauritanian authorities have made a real effort.

The Guardian

The 4x4 was appalling, with no real effort.

The Guardian - Sport

It's real work, real effort, that produces a successful film.

The New York Times

(Mubarak appears entrenched; Libya is seen making a real effort).

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "real effort" to emphasize the tangible work and dedication someone has put into a task. It adds weight to the commitment.

Common error

Don't dilute the impact of "real effort" by pairing it with weak verbs. Use strong action verbs to showcase the results of the effort.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "real effort" functions as a noun phrase, where "real" modifies the noun "effort", emphasizing its authenticity and tangibility. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "real effort" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that emphasizes the substantial work and dedication applied to a task. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is widely accepted and suitable for diverse contexts, ranging from news and media to academic and professional settings. To maximize its impact, pair it with strong action verbs and avoid redundancy. Consider alternatives like "sincere attempt" or "dedicated work" for nuanced expressions. Remember that "real effort" signifies a higher level of commitment than simply "making an effort".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sincere attempt

Highlights the genuineness and honesty of the attempt.

serious attempt

Highlights the importance and determination in the attempt.

determined effort

Focuses on the resolute and unwavering nature of the effort.

dedicated work

Emphasizes the commitment and focus involved.

genuine endeavor

Stresses the authentic and earnest nature of the undertaking.

diligent work

Emphasizes the care and persistence involved.

considerable exertion

Focuses on the amount of energy expended.

substantial commitment

Highlights the level of dedication and resources invested.

concerted effort

Indicates a planned and coordinated approach.

strenuous effort

Stresses the difficulty and rigor of the effort.

FAQs

How can I use "real effort" in a sentence?

You can use "real effort" to describe the amount of dedication and hard work someone puts into a task. For instance, "It takes "real effort" to tackle a problem like this".

What are some alternatives to "real effort"?

Alternatives include "sincere attempt", "dedicated work", or "genuine endeavor", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "real effort and hard work"?

While both phrases emphasize dedication, using both together can reinforce the message. However, ensure it doesn't become repetitive. You might consider using just ""real effort"" if the context already implies hard work.

What's the difference between "real effort" and "making an effort"?

"Real effort" emphasizes the tangible and substantial work being done, while "making an effort" simply indicates that someone is trying. "Real effort" suggests a higher level of dedication.