require a lot of effort

USAGE SUMMARY

The sentence 'require a lot of effort' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it if you are trying to express that a certain task or activity is going to take a lot of hard work and dedication. For example: "Writing a novel would require a lot of effort."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

Is it puritanical to think something has to require a lot of effort to be sincere?

The New Yorker

They are not built for long commutes, and smaller models require a lot of effort.

The New York Times

"These kids require a lot of effort to keep themselves emotionally regulated," Dr. Linehan said in an interview.

The New York Times - Health

Even though these are very ambitious targets that require a lot of effort, we continue to proceed in this direction.

The Washington Post

Outsider positions, like that of being an iconoclastic columnist at the New York Times, require a lot of effort to get peoples' attention.

The New York Times

"It doesn't require a lot of effort on anyone's part, but there's been a reluctance to do it" in the Obama White House.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

This non-linearity would require a lot of efforts and expertise for the calibration of detailed local models or an adequate probabilistic model.

International Journal of Advanced Structural Engineering

In our opinion, to describe the scenes in traffic videos may require a lot of efforts, which may lead to a large metadata volume.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

Improving their economic situation and health status in Kosovo will require a lot of efforts.

BMC Geriatrics

It requires a lot of effort.

Yale University

Because even to make such a short message requires a lot of effort".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "require a lot of effort", consider the audience and context. For formal writing, more sophisticated synonyms like "demand considerable exertion" may be more appropriate. In informal contexts, "take a lot of work" might be preferable.

Common error

Avoid using passive constructions that obscure who or what is doing the "requiring". Instead of "A lot of effort is required", use "This task requires a lot of effort" to make your writing more direct and impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "require a lot of effort" functions as a verb phrase, indicating that a certain task, activity, or process necessitates a significant amount of exertion or hard work. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

28%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Academia

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "require a lot of effort" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe tasks or activities demanding significant hard work. Ludwig confirms its validity and wide applicability. While suitable for most contexts, formal settings might benefit from synonyms like "demand considerable exertion". It is frequently found in news and media, science, and wiki content, making it a versatile phrase in English writing. Remember to use the correct form ("require" vs. "requires") based on the subject, and avoid overly passive constructions for clearer communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

entail a great deal of work

Synonymous, but uses a different verb ('entail') to convey the involvement of work.

demand considerable exertion

Uses more formal vocabulary to express the need for significant physical or mental energy.

take significant dedication

Focuses on the commitment and perseverance needed, rather than just the effort.

call for significant commitment

Similar to 'take significant dedication', emphasizing the required commitment.

involve substantial work

Highlights the amount of labor involved.

be a demanding task

Frames the activity as challenging and rigorous.

be a labor-intensive process

Highlights the substantial amount of manual or intellectual work needed.

necessitate considerable input

Emphasizes the resources or contributions needed.

prove to be challenging

Highlights the potential difficulty that something presents.

be a taxing undertaking

Emphasizes the draining or burdensome nature of the activity.

FAQs

How can I use "require a lot of effort" in a sentence?

You can use "require a lot of effort" to describe tasks or activities that demand significant hard work and dedication. For example, "Completing this project will "require a lot of effort"".

What are some alternatives to "require a lot of effort"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "demand considerable exertion", "take significant dedication", or "involve substantial work".

Is it better to say "require a lot of effort" or "requires a lot of effort"?

The correct form depends on the subject of the sentence. Use "require" with plural subjects (e.g., "These tasks require a lot of effort") and "requires" with singular subjects (e.g., "This task requires a lot of effort").

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

While similar, "require a lot of effort" often implies a more formal or necessary demand, whereas "need a lot of effort" can suggest a more general lack or deficiency. The phrase ""require a lot of effort"" often suggests that effort is a prerequisite for success.