sustained effort

USAGE SUMMARY

"sustained effort" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a period of time during which someone is working hard and making a continuous effort to achieve something. For example, "He achieved success after years of sustained effort".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Learn something that requires sustained effort; do something novel.

The New York Times

"Disrupting and degrading [Isis] will take a comprehensive and sustained effort from the international community.

The Guardian

"Mountains and Rivers" is Snyder's most sustained effort at representing a bioregional world view.

The New Yorker

It is the organization, not individual volunteers, that provides the sustained effort.

The New York Times

He knows what the base wants — an immediate, sustained effort to undo the entire Obama agenda.

The New Yorker

City education officials said they were committed to such consistent and sustained effort.

The New York Times

"We might just be seeing the effect of several years of sustained effort.

The New York Times

Others require sustained effort and support to promote rights and secure access to services and opportunities.

The Guardian

What has taken many years to destroy will require a patient, sustained effort to rebuild.

The New York Times

It requires concerted, sustained effort at many levels of human endeavor.

The Guardian - Opinion

Reducing childhood obesity and its associated diseases requires sustained effort across an entire community food system.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "sustained effort" with specific actions or strategies to provide a clearer picture of how the effort is being applied.

Common error

Avoid using "sustained effort" to describe fleeting or short-lived initiatives; reserve it for situations requiring long-term dedication and consistent action.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sustained effort" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "sustained" modifies the noun "effort". It describes a consistent and prolonged application of energy or resources towards a specific goal. As supported by Ludwig, this phrase is commonly used to emphasize the continuous nature of the work required.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

29%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sustained effort" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed phrase that signifies continuous and dedicated work towards a goal. According to Ludwig, it functions as a noun phrase emphasizing long-term commitment. Its usage spans various contexts, from news and media to science and formal business settings. To effectively use the expression, emphasize consistent work over time, while being aware of overstating the impact of short-term efforts. By considering these nuances, you can confidently incorporate "sustained effort" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

continuous exertion

Emphasizes the ongoing nature of the effort.

prolonged endeavor

Highlights the extended duration of the effort.

unremitting hard work

Focuses on the relentless and diligent aspect of the work.

consistent dedication

Stresses the unwavering commitment involved.

relentless pursuit

Highlights the determination and persistence in achieving a goal.

persistent application

Emphasizes the consistent and diligent application of skills or resources.

steadfast commitment

Underscores the unwavering loyalty and dedication to a task or goal.

tireless striving

Highlights the continuous and energetic effort put forth.

unceasing diligence

Emphasizes the continuous and meticulous attention to detail.

dedicated persistence

Combines the elements of commitment and perseverance.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "sustained effort" in a sentence?

Use "sustained effort" to emphasize continuous and consistent work toward a specific goal. For example, "Achieving fluency in a new language requires "sustained effort" and dedication."

What are some alternatives to "sustained effort"?

You can use alternatives like "continuous exertion", "prolonged endeavor", or "unremitting hard work" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "sustained effort" or "consistent effort"?

Both "sustained effort" and "consistent effort" are correct, but "sustained effort" often implies a longer duration and greater intensity compared to "consistent effort". Choose the phrase that best reflects the degree of effort involved.

What does "sustained effort" mean in the context of personal development?

In personal development, "sustained effort" refers to the continuous and dedicated work required to achieve long-term goals, such as improving skills, building new habits, or overcoming challenges. It emphasizes the importance of persistence and commitment.