sincere effort

USAGE SUMMARY

"sincere effort" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to describe or emphasize when someone is truly trying their best. For example: "John put in a sincere effort to finish the project on time despite his busy schedule."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

But no one is making a sincere effort at peace".

The New York Times

"This isn't a sincere effort to use math to find the answer at all.

The New York Times - Sports

"I just don't see that it's a sincere effort to seek divine guidance for the state".

The New York Times

These can only be achieved by a concerted and sincere effort by Thein Sein's government.

The New York Times

This means a concerted and sincere effort to eliminate the budget deficit.

The New York Times

Firms joining the compact are expected to make a "sincere effort" to aspire to these principles.

The Economist

What I will engage in is a sincere effort to come to an agreement.

The Guardian

First, Ruiz chastised Jones for not putting a sincere effort into promoting the match.

The New York Times - Sports

"There has to be a sincere effort to address the concerns of everyday America".

The New York Times

"The bottom line is to put in a sincere effort to minimize loss.

The New York Times

"We are saying that the industry should make a sincere effort to be part of the solution," Mudd concluded.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal contexts, pair "sincere effort" with verbs that denote commitment, such as "demonstrate", "undertake", or "exhibit", to reinforce the seriousness of the endeavor.

Common error

Avoid using "sincere effort" when the primary issue is competence rather than motivation. If someone lacks the skills or resources, their "sincere effort" may not be sufficient; focus instead on addressing the underlying deficiencies.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sincere effort" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "sincere" modifies the noun "effort". It describes the quality of the effort being made. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely accepted and used in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

28%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sincere effort" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe an action undertaken with honesty and genuine commitment. As affirmed by Ludwig AI, its usage spans diverse contexts, from news and media to scientific and formal settings. When writing, using alternatives like "wholehearted effort" or "genuine attempt" can add nuance, but it’s crucial to ensure the effort aligns with competence. The phrase enjoys a neutral register, making it suitable for various audiences. To ensure correct usage, recognize that while "sincere effort" highlights good intentions, it doesn't guarantee success if underlying skills or resources are lacking.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wholehearted effort

Emphasizes the completeness and enthusiasm of the attempt.

genuine attempt

Highlights the authenticity and lack of pretense in the effort.

earnest endeavor

Stresses the seriousness and determination behind the effort.

dedicated attempt

Focuses on the commitment and devotion involved in the effort.

good-faith effort

Implies honesty and integrity in the attempt.

determined attempt

Highlights the resolve and persistence in the effort.

conscientious endeavor

Stresses the care and thoroughness applied in the attempt.

diligent effort

Emphasizes the attentiveness and assiduity of the attempt.

bona fide attempt

Highlights the validity and authenticity of the attempt, indicating it's not a sham.

serious attempt

Highlights that the attempt has been taken seriously.

FAQs

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

You can use "sincere effort" to describe someone's genuine attempt to achieve a goal. For example, "She made a "sincere effort" to understand the complex topic."

What are some alternatives to "sincere effort"?

Alternatives to "sincere effort" include "wholehearted effort", "genuine attempt", or "earnest endeavor", which emphasize different aspects of the attempt.

Is "sincere effort" formal or informal?

"Sincere effort" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, depending on the surrounding language. It conveys a sense of honesty and commitment in any setting.

What's the difference between "sincere effort" and "serious effort"?

"Sincere effort" emphasizes the honesty and genuineness of the attempt, while "serious effort" focuses on the intensity and dedication applied. Although similar, "sincere effort" is about truthfulness and "serious effort" is about dedication.