solid effort

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "solid effort" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to commend someone for their hard work or dedication towards a task or project. Example: "Despite the challenges we faced, your solid effort in completing the project is greatly appreciated."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

General Usage

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Solid effort but no more than that.

The New Yorker

"Solid effort in tough conditions.

The Guardian - Sport

Otherwise, like I said, a pretty solid effort.

The Guardian

Still, it was mostly a solid effort by him.

The New York Times - Sports

"He gives you a solid effort every game.

The New York Times - Sports

At best, the book makes a solid effort.

The New York Times - Health

But on its own merits it is a solid effort.

The New York Times - Arts

The guess here is that they put together a second straight solid effort.

The New York Times - Sports

Glavine's first victory of the season came after Pedro Martínez's solid effort Thursday.

The New York Times

That was followed by another solid effort in a loss to Kansas.

The New York Times - Sports

The Mets also wasted another solid effort by Bobby J. Jones.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "solid effort" when you want to acknowledge someone's work without necessarily implying outstanding success. It's suitable for situations where the focus is on the attempt and dedication.

Common error

Avoid using "solid effort" when describing a truly exceptional achievement. It can downplay the significance of remarkable success. Consider stronger terms like "outstanding achievement" or "exceptional performance" in those cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "solid effort" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "solid" modifies the noun "effort". It describes the quality or nature of the effort exerted. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is deemed usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Sports

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "solid effort" is a commonly used and grammatically sound phrase that serves to commend and acknowledge dedicated work. As Ludwig confirms, it's deemed usable in various written English contexts. The phrase carries a neutral tone, making it suitable for news reporting, professional communication, and general usage. Its prevalence across authoritative sources such as The New York Times, The Guardian and BBC underscores its acceptance and relevance in contemporary language. When aiming to give deserved credit, "solid effort" is a reliable choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

strong endeavor

Simply replaces "solid" with another adjective of similar meaning, “strong”.

commendable attempt

Emphasizes the praiseworthiness of the attempt, rather than the level of effort.

substantial endeavor

Highlights the considerable undertaking involved.

noteworthy performance

Focuses on the performance quality, implying a positive outcome.

respectable showing

Implies the performance was adequate and deserving of respect.

meritorious exertion

Highlights the worthiness of the effort.

remarkable try

Emphasizes the surprising or exceptional nature of the attempt.

considerable application

Highlights the amount of focus and dedication applied.

consistent hard work

Focuses on the persistence and dedication involved over time.

determined application

Highlights the resolve and purposefulness behind the effort.

FAQs

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

"Solid effort" is typically used to describe work that is commendable and reliable. For example, "The team put in a solid effort to meet the deadline."

What can I say instead of "solid effort"?

You can use alternatives like "commendable attempt", "substantial endeavor", or "noteworthy performance" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "solid effort" or "outstanding effort"?

The choice depends on the context. "Solid effort" implies a reliable and commendable performance, while "outstanding effort" suggests an exceptional and remarkable achievement.

What's the difference between a "solid effort" and a "valiant attempt"?

A "solid effort" describes consistent and reliable work, whereas a "valiant attempt" describes a courageous effort, especially in the face of adversity or likely failure. While both may indicate a degree of success, "valiant attempt" focuses more on the bravery and determination involved.