what an effort

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "what an effort" is correct and usable in written English.
You might use it to express admiration for someone's hard work, for example: "John put in so much energy and dedication to the project; what an effort he made!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

But what an effort!

The New York Times

What an effort.

The Guardian - Sport

50 min: What an effort from Shevchenko.

The Guardian - Sport

He looks utterly broken but what an effort.

The Guardian - Sport

What an effort from the unseeded British pair!

The Guardian - Sport

What an effort they have put in, what an effort they've put in all season for me.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

This was what an American effort to save the planet looked like.

The New York Times - Magazine

"I know just what an extraordinary effort was required to put this project together.

BBC

If there was a certain inevitability about Real Madrid finally clinching La Liga at Athletic Bilbao last night, Jose Mourinho acknowledged what an enormous effort it has taken.

BBC

What justifies an effort certain to cost many millions of dollars?

Yale University

What is an effort to one person can be easy to another.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "what an effort" to express genuine admiration for someone's hard work or achievement. It is particularly effective in informal and semi-formal settings.

Common error

Avoid using "what an effort" in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more sophisticated language to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what an effort" functions primarily as an exclamatory expression used to convey admiration, appreciation, or recognition of someone's hard work, dedication, or significant exertion. Ludwig confirms its use in expressing positive sentiment.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Sport

31%

Academia

11%

Less common in

Science

6%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "what an effort" is a versatile exclamatory expression used to convey admiration or appreciation for someone's hard work. Ludwig's analysis confirms that it is grammatically correct and commonly used, particularly in news, sports reporting, and general media. While generally neutral in register, it leans towards informal, making it best suited for casual or semi-formal contexts. When writing in highly formal or academic settings, more sophisticated language is recommended. The related phrases provide useful alternatives, each highlighting slightly different aspects of the effort being acknowledged.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what a triumph

Highlights the victorious outcome of the effort.

what a feat

Emphasizes the accomplishment aspect of the effort.

what an achievement

Underscores the successful outcome of the effort.

what a performance

Highlights the execution and skill involved.

what perseverance

Emphasizes the persistence despite challenges.

what a display

Focuses on the visible manifestation of the effort.

what dedication

Focuses on the commitment and devotion shown.

what a show of strength

Emphasizes the power and resilience demonstrated.

what a struggle

Emphasizes the difficulty and hardship involved.

what a grind

Highlights the prolonged and arduous nature of the task.

FAQs

How can I use "what an effort" in a sentence?

You can use "what an effort" to express admiration or recognition of someone's hard work. For example, "The team managed to complete the project ahead of schedule; what an effort!"

What's a more formal alternative to "what an effort"?

In formal contexts, consider alternatives like "commendable work", "remarkable achievement", or "outstanding performance" to convey a similar meaning with a more professional tone.

When is it appropriate to use "what an effort"?

This phrase is best used in informal or semi-formal settings where you want to express genuine appreciation for someone's dedication or hard work. It's common in sports commentary or casual conversations.

What are some other ways to acknowledge someone's hard work?

Besides "what an effort", you can use phrases such as "that's remarkable", "that's impressive", or "well done" to acknowledge someone's hard work, depending on the specific context.