In 15 Seconds
- To try hard to achieve something difficult.
- Always use 'make' with 'effort', never use 'do'.
- Shows you care about the outcome of an action.
Meaning
This phrase describes the act of trying hard to do something, especially when it is difficult or you do not feel like doing it. It is about showing that you are actually putting in energy rather than being lazy or indifferent.
Key Examples
3 of 6Encouraging a friend
You should really make an effort to see him before he leaves.
You should really make an effort to see him before he leaves.
At a formal dinner
I appreciate that you made an effort to dress up for the occasion.
I appreciate that you made an effort to dress up for the occasion.
Texting about a workout
I'm exhausted, but at least I made an effort at the gym today!
I'm exhausted, but at least I made an effort at the gym today!
Cultural Background
The 'American Dream' is built on the idea that if you make enough effort, you can achieve anything. This leads to a culture where 'trying hard' is highly praised, even if you fail. In the UK, 'making an effort' is often linked to social etiquette. Not making an effort with your appearance or conversation at a social event can be seen as quite rude. The concept of 'Ganbaru' (to persevere or make an effort) is central to Japanese society. It's often more important to show you are working hard than to actually succeed. Germans value efficiency. While effort is respected, it is often expected to be 'quiet' effort. Making a 'big show' of your effort might be seen as a sign of poor planning.
The 'Make' Rule
If you only remember one thing, remember that it's always 'make.' Write it on a sticky note!
Don't over-use it
If you say you're 'making an effort' for every tiny task, it can sound like you find everything difficult.
In 15 Seconds
- To try hard to achieve something difficult.
- Always use 'make' with 'effort', never use 'do'.
- Shows you care about the outcome of an action.
What It Means
Make an effort is all about the energy you put into a task. It is not just about doing something; it is about trying. You use it when someone needs to push themselves a little harder. Think of it as the opposite of being lazy or 'half-hearted.' If you make an effort, you are showing people that you care about the result. Even if you fail, people usually appreciate that you tried.
How To Use It
This phrase is a 'collocation,' which means these words always hang out together. You almost always use the verb make with effort. You can say make an effort for general situations. If you want to be specific, use make an effort to followed by a verb. For example: make an effort to arrive on time. You can also add adjectives like a big effort or a real effort to show how much energy is being used. It is like adding extra spice to your sentence!
When To Use It
Use this when you want to encourage someone or describe your own hard work. It is perfect for the workplace when discussing projects. It is also great for relationships. If your friend is feeling lonely, you might make an effort to call them more often. Use it at a restaurant if the service is slow but the waiter is trying their best. 'At least he is making an effort,' you might whisper to your date.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for things that are easy or automatic. You do not make an effort to breathe or blink. Also, avoid using it if someone has already succeeded brilliantly. Saying 'you made an effort' to someone who just won an Olympic gold medal sounds like a bit of an insult! It implies they just 'tried' rather than dominated. Also, be careful with the word do. Never say do an effort. It sounds very strange to native speakers.
Cultural Background
In many English-speaking cultures, 'trying' is sometimes valued as much as 'winning.' There is a big emphasis on the 'A for effort' mentality. This comes from school systems where teachers reward students who work hard even if they do not get the highest grades. It is a very polite way to acknowledge someone's hard work without focusing purely on the final result. It shows you value their time and intention.
Common Variations
Put in the effort: This feels a bit more physical, like you are pouring energy into a box.Go the extra mile: This means doing even more than what is expected of you.Give it a go: A more casual way to say you will try something new.Exert yourself: This is very formal and usually refers to physical exercise or intense mental work.
Usage Notes
This is a highly versatile B1-level phrase. The most important thing to remember is the verb pairing: it is always 'make,' never 'do' or 'take.'
The 'Make' Rule
If you only remember one thing, remember that it's always 'make.' Write it on a sticky note!
Don't over-use it
If you say you're 'making an effort' for every tiny task, it can sound like you find everything difficult.
Use Adjectives
To sound more like a native speaker, add adjectives like 'real,' 'conscious,' or 'concerted.'
A for Effort
In English, we say 'I'll give you an A for effort' when someone fails but tried really hard. It's a bit of a cliché!
Examples
6You should really make an effort to see him before he leaves.
You should really make an effort to see him before he leaves.
Used here to give friendly advice about maintaining a relationship.
I appreciate that you made an effort to dress up for the occasion.
I appreciate that you made an effort to dress up for the occasion.
A polite way to acknowledge someone following a dress code.
I'm exhausted, but at least I made an effort at the gym today!
I'm exhausted, but at least I made an effort at the gym today!
Using the phrase to feel proud of personal progress.
Could you at least make an effort to wash your own dishes?
Could you at least make an effort to wash your own dishes?
A slightly sarcastic or frustrated way to ask for help.
I am making a real effort to understand your point of view.
I am making a real effort to understand your point of view.
Shows emotional maturity and a desire to resolve conflict.
The team made a concerted effort to meet the deadline.
The team made a concerted effort to meet the deadline.
'Concerted' adds a level of professional intensity to the effort.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct verb to complete the sentence.
If you want to pass the exam, you need to ______ an effort.
In English, we always 'make' an effort, we never 'do' or 'give' one in this context.
Fill in the missing words to complete the phrase.
I'm making ______ ______ to eat more vegetables.
We use the indefinite article 'an' because 'effort' starts with a vowel sound.
Complete the dialogue with the correct form of 'make an effort'.
A: Why didn't you come to the meeting? B: I'm sorry, I ______ ______ ______ to get there, but the train was cancelled.
The speaker is talking about a past event, so the past simple 'made' is required.
Match the adjective with the type of effort.
Which adjective describes an effort made by a group of people working together?
A 'joint effort' involves two or more people collaborating.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Make vs. Do
Practice Bank
4 exercisesIf you want to pass the exam, you need to ______ an effort.
In English, we always 'make' an effort, we never 'do' or 'give' one in this context.
I'm making ______ ______ to eat more vegetables.
We use the indefinite article 'an' because 'effort' starts with a vowel sound.
A: Why didn't you come to the meeting? B: I'm sorry, I ______ ______ ______ to get there, but the train was cancelled.
The speaker is talking about a past event, so the past simple 'made' is required.
Which adjective describes an effort made by a group of people working together?
A 'joint effort' involves two or more people collaborating.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsNo, 'do an effort' is grammatically incorrect in English. You must always use 'make.'
'Try' is a general verb. 'Make an effort' sounds more intentional and implies that the task requires energy or willpower.
It's neutral. You can use it with your friends, your boss, or in a formal essay.
Yes, you can use the plural when talking about multiple attempts or a long-term project, e.g., 'We are increasing our efforts.'
It means you are trying, but not really caring or putting in much energy.
Yes, it is used equally in British, American, Australian, and all other major dialects of English.
Use 'to' + the base form of the verb, for example: 'make an effort to study.'
Yes, this means trying to be friendly or build a relationship with that person.
It is a very formal way to say a determined or coordinated effort, usually by a group.
It is always 'an effort' because 'effort' starts with a vowel sound.
Absolutely. 'He made a final effort to reach the finish line.'
Being lazy, 'not bothering,' or 'giving up.'
Related Phrases
go the extra mile
builds onTo do more than what is required.
give it your all
specialized formTo use every bit of energy you have.
try your best
synonymTo do the best you can.
put in the work
similarTo spend time and energy on a task.
exert yourself
formalTo make a physical or mental effort.
