substantial effort

USAGE SUMMARY

"substantial effort" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to emphasize the great effort that needs to be put into something in order to achieve a certain goal. For example, "It will take a substantial effort to launch this project on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"There is a substantial effort above what we've had in past years".

The New York Times - Sports

The industry, he said, had made a substantial effort to regulate itself.

The New York Times

The other premiere, "Royalty Redux," by Mr. Solomons, is a more choreographically substantial effort.

The New York Times - Arts

Winter attaches an author's note, but unlike Corey's substantial effort, it feels cursory.

The New York Times - Books

Fifteen artists were then asked to develop maquettes -- a process requiring a substantial effort with no guarantee of selection.

The New York Times - Arts

There's substantial effort to upgrade and improve the research on catalysis that's done at SSRL, with leadership by Simon Bare.

Stanford University

A substantial effort has been made towards greater communication and increased transparency of Library IT activities and operations.

Yale University

His new film, Pawel Pawlikowski's The Last Resort, is another substantial effort from the British independent sector.

The Guardian - Film

The company has put substantial effort into emerging markets, in part to keep up with Samsung's growth in those areas.

The New York Times - Tech

But no substantial effort will be made to reform either the labour market or the inflated government-subsidised housing market.

The Economist

A substantial effort is underway to make robots useful outside controlled environments and without direct human supervision.

Robotics and Autonomous Systems

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "substantial effort" to describe situations where significant resources, time, or dedication are required. It adds weight to the description and underscores the magnitude of the task.

Common error

Avoid using "substantial effort" for trivial tasks or situations where the level of effort is minimal. Overusing the phrase can dilute its impact and make your writing sound hyperbolic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "substantial effort" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb (e.g., require, devote, make) or the subject of a sentence. It describes the amount of energy, resources, or dedication invested in a particular task or activity. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

36%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "substantial effort" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that denotes a significant investment of energy, resources, or dedication. As Ludwig AI validates, the phrase is correct and versatile. It finds common application across diverse fields, notably science and news, and maintains a professional register suitable for both academic and professional writing. When using "substantial effort", it's crucial to highlight the goal and avoid overstating the actual effort required. Related alternatives include "considerable exertion" and "significant endeavor". The prevalence across authoritative sources like The New York Times and Forbes confirms its reliability and widespread acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

considerable exertion

Focuses on the energy expended, rather than the planning and resourcing implied by "effort".

significant endeavor

Emphasizes the undertaking's importance and scope.

major undertaking

Highlights the size and complexity of the task.

extensive work

Focuses on the amount of labor involved.

serious attempt

Highlights the intent and determination behind the action.

intensive activity

Emphasizes the concentrated nature of the work.

notable commitment

Highlights the dedication and investment made.

strenuous attempt

Emphasizes the demanding nature of the attempt.

determined push

Focuses on the forceful and resolute nature of the action.

intensive labor

Highlights the high level of physical work.

FAQs

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

You can use "substantial effort" to describe situations that require significant dedication and resources. For example, "Launching the new product line will require "substantial effort" from all departments."

What are some alternatives to "substantial effort"?

Alternatives include "considerable exertion", "significant endeavor", or "major undertaking". The best choice depends on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "substantial effort"?

Use "substantial effort" when you want to emphasize the significant amount of work, resources, or dedication needed for a task. It is appropriate when the task is not trivial and requires more than a routine effort.

What's the difference between "considerable effort" and "substantial effort"?

While both phrases are similar, "substantial effort" often implies a more significant or impactful undertaking than "considerable effort". The choice depends on the nuance you want to convey.