substantive efforts

USAGE SUMMARY

"substantive efforts" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It refers to meaningful or significant efforts that are being made towards achieving a goal or completing a task. Example: The company is making substantive efforts to reduce its carbon footprint by implementing sustainable practices and investing in renewable energy sources.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

If the international community fails to take substantive efforts to harmonize national, regional and international policies, there will be nothing left for future generations to fight for.

The New York Times

"If you really want to make change, you've got to make substantive efforts -- you can't just do a gesture," he said.

The New York Times

This is just fine; the green space has become saturated with undifferentiated initiatives and misleading messaging that can undermine the many credible, substantive efforts out there.

Harvard Business Review

The fervor in Chongqing has not been accompanied by substantive efforts to shift away from capitalism and back toward collective ownership of the economy, but it has prompted wary watchfulness by multinationals.

The New York Times

The review is one of the most substantive efforts associated with Harrington, a Washington outsider and longtime associate of Peter Thiel, the Silicon Valley billionaire who co-founded PayPal and donated heavily to Trump's presidential campaign.

The Washington Post

As foreboding as those estimates are for our future, it appears that recent events will preclude any substantive efforts at tackling this looming catastrophe.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Some intelligence officials said Brennan has made little substantive effort to shift more responsibility to the military.

The Washington Post

As with any paper submitted for an HLS grade, the paper should be a substantive effort involving analysis, synthesis, and research.

Harvard University

Even so, the talks have been held on several different occasions and appear to represent the most substantive effort to date to negotiate an end to the nine-year-old war, which began with an American-led campaign to overthrow the Taliban after the 9/11 attacks.

The New York Times

The formal filing of nearly 80 pages by two American advocacy groups, the Center for Constitutional Rights and the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, was the most substantive effort yet to hold the pope and the Vatican accountable in an international court for sexual abuse by priests.

The New York Times

On Vanity Fair's site, Julian Sancton makes a more substantive effort, wondering: "Is 'Funny People' Judd Apatow's 'Annie Hall'?" He cites several parallels between the two movies, and suggests that both directors were empowered by their respective studios to turn more serious as a result of the commercial success of their comedies.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "substantive efforts", ensure the context clearly indicates the area or issue to which the efforts are directed. For example, "substantive efforts to reduce carbon emissions".

Common error

Avoid using "substantive efforts" in overly broad or vague statements. Instead, specify the precise actions or strategies being employed to make the phrase more impactful and credible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "substantive efforts" functions as a noun phrase modified by an adjective. It describes actions or endeavors that are significant, meaningful, and go beyond superficial or symbolic gestures. According to Ludwig AI, it suggests that the efforts are real and impactful.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "substantive efforts" is a phrase used to describe meaningful and impactful actions intended to produce tangible results. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts. While primarily found in news, science, and academic settings, it maintains a neutral to formal register. When using this phrase, clarity and precision are key, ensuring that the specific area or goal of the efforts is clearly defined. While not exceedingly frequent, its consistent usage across authoritative sources underscores its validity and usefulness in professional and academic communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significant endeavors

Emphasizes the importance and impact of the efforts.

meaningful actions

Highlights the purpose and value behind the actions taken.

considerable undertakings

Focuses on the scale and ambition of the efforts.

serious attempts

Underscores the earnestness and determination behind the efforts.

genuine initiatives

Stresses the authenticity and sincerity of the efforts.

real commitments

Highlights the dedication and resources invested in the efforts.

concrete steps

Focuses on the tangible and practical nature of the efforts.

tangible measures

Emphasizes the practical and measurable aspects of the efforts.

noteworthy interventions

Highlights the importance and impact of the actions taken to intervene in a situation.

weighty actions

Highlights the importance and seriousness of the actions taken.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "substantive efforts" in a sentence?

To effectively use "substantive efforts", clearly specify the area or goal towards which the efforts are directed. For example, "The company is making "substantive efforts" to improve customer satisfaction."

What are some alternatives to using the phrase "substantive efforts"?

You can use alternatives like "significant endeavors", "meaningful actions", or "considerable undertakings" depending on the context.

Is "substantive efforts" formal or informal language?

"Substantive efforts" is generally considered formal language, suitable for professional, academic, or news contexts. In informal settings, simpler phrases like "real work" or "serious attempts" might be more appropriate.

What distinguishes "substantive efforts" from "token gestures"?

"Substantive efforts" involve meaningful and impactful actions aimed at achieving a significant outcome, while "token gestures" are superficial actions intended to create a positive impression without genuine commitment or change.