sense of efficacy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sense of efficacy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing an individual's belief in their ability to achieve desired outcomes or perform tasks effectively. Example: "Her sense of efficacy increased after she successfully completed the challenging project."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

The Future of England survey also asked people about their sense of "efficacy".

The Guardian

First-person shooters may be a way of reclaiming our sense of efficacy.

The New Yorker

That experience likely increased his sense of efficacy in handling dicey conversations.

Harvard Business Review

"I've never felt such a sense of efficacy in my life," Mr. Booker said in response to his detractors.

The New York Times

This mutually reinforcing cycle of improvements in commitment, coordination, and competence creates a growing sense of efficacy.

Harvard Business Review

Youth unemployment and parental financial support may have short-term negative psychological consequences, in that they undermine a sense of efficacy.

Harvard Business Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

I started praying and going to church". Did he pray with a sense of its efficacy?

The Guardian

These norms build trust, group identity, and a sense of group efficacy.

Harvard Business Review

However, preliminary evidence suggests the presence of stereotype lift in men's sense of political efficacy.

The Social Science Journal

That's consistent with decades of scholarship on U.S. politics, which suggests that information, awareness, and a sense of political efficacy are key in prompting political participation.

The Washington Post

Every time you can break something into a small step that you can accomplish, it boosts your sense of self efficacy.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To strengthen your writing, consider quantifying the "sense of efficacy" with specific examples. For instance, 'The training program significantly boosted the team's sense of efficacy, leading to a 20% increase in project completion rates'.

Common error

Avoid using "sense of efficacy" interchangeably with self-esteem or general confidence. Efficacy refers specifically to the belief in one's ability to perform tasks effectively, whereas self-esteem is a broader sense of self-worth. A person can have a high "sense of efficacy" in one area (e.g., coding) and low self-esteem overall.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sense of efficacy" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely used. It denotes an individual's belief in their ability to perform tasks effectively and achieve desired outcomes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

32%

News & Media

30%

Academia

22%

Less common in

Formal & Business

16%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sense of efficacy" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun phrase that describes an individual's belief in their ability to achieve desired outcomes. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate in various contexts, spanning from academic and scientific discussions to news and media reporting. While synonyms like "feeling of competence" and "belief in one's ability" exist, "sense of efficacy" specifically emphasizes the proactive and confident approach towards task performance. To use it effectively, focus on conveying the specific context of the individual's belief and avoid conflating it with broader concepts like self-esteem.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feeling of competence

Focuses on the subjective feeling of being capable, shifting from general effectiveness to personal ability.

belief in one's ability

Highlights the cognitive aspect of confidence in one's own skills, instead of the broader sense of effectiveness.

feeling of effectiveness

Emphasizes the result-oriented aspect of efficacy, changing the focus from internal belief to external impact.

confidence in one's capabilities

Stresses assurance in skills and potential, moving away from a general sense of being effective.

sense of empowerment

Highlights the feeling of being in control and able to influence outcomes, adding a dimension of agency.

feeling of agency

Focuses on the capacity to act independently and make choices, emphasizing autonomy rather than just effectiveness.

belief in one's potential

Highlights a future-oriented confidence in what one can achieve, differing from current effectiveness.

feeling of self-assurance

Shifts the focus to a general confidence in oneself, rather than specifically in one's ability to produce results.

sense of personal control

Emphasizes the aspect of having control over one's life and circumstances, moving away from general effectiveness.

feeling of mastery

Stresses the sense of having expertise and control over a specific skill or area, rather than general effectiveness.

FAQs

How can I improve my "sense of efficacy"?

Improving your "sense of efficacy" involves setting achievable goals, gaining experience through practice, observing successful role models, and receiving positive feedback. Start with small steps to build confidence and gradually tackle more challenging tasks.

What's the difference between "sense of efficacy" and "self-esteem"?

"Sense of efficacy" refers to the belief in one's ability to succeed in specific tasks or situations, whereas "self-esteem" is a broader sense of self-worth and value. You can have high self-esteem but low "sense of efficacy" in certain areas, and vice versa.

What are some synonyms for "sense of efficacy"?

Alternatives to "sense of efficacy" include "feeling of competence", "belief in one's ability", "feeling of effectiveness", and "sense of empowerment", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How does "sense of efficacy" relate to motivation?

A strong "sense of efficacy" is a key driver of motivation. When individuals believe they can successfully achieve a goal, they are more likely to be motivated to pursue it. Conversely, a low "sense of efficacy" can lead to decreased motivation and avoidance of challenging tasks.