Meaning
To try hard to do something.
Cultural Background
The 'American Dream' is built on the idea of making an effort. People are often judged more by their 'hustle' and effort than by their innate talent. British culture often values 'polite effort' in social situations. Not making an effort to engage in small talk can be seen as a major social 'faux pas.' The concept of 'Ganbaru' (to do one's best/make an effort) is central to Japanese life. It is often expected that one makes an effort until the very end, regardless of the outcome. In modern tech companies, 'making an effort' is often replaced by 'ownership.' If you make an effort, it means you are taking responsibility for the result.
The 'Do' Trap
Never say 'do an effort.' It is the #1 mistake English learners make with this phrase.
Adding Adjectives
To sound more natural, add an adjective like 'real,' 'big,' or 'conscious' before 'effort.'
Meaning
To try hard to do something.
The 'Do' Trap
Never say 'do an effort.' It is the #1 mistake English learners make with this phrase.
Adding Adjectives
To sound more natural, add an adjective like 'real,' 'big,' or 'conscious' before 'effort.'
Sarcasm Alert
If someone says 'Nice effort' in a flat tone, they might be being sarcastic because you failed!
Negative Usage
Use 'didn't even make an effort' to show you are really disappointed in someone.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct verb.
If you want to pass the test, you must ______ an effort to study.
In English, we always 'make' an effort, we never 'do' one.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Choose the best option:
We use 'an' because 'effort' starts with a vowel sound, and 'to help' is the correct infinitive form.
Fill in the missing phrase in the dialogue.
A: I'm so tired of this project. B: I know, but we only have two days left. Please ______ to finish it.
The full phrase 'make an effort' fits perfectly as an imperative request.
Match the adjective to the situation.
Which adjective best describes 'making an effort' when you work with a whole team?
A 'concerted effort' is one made by a group of people acting together.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Make vs. Do
Practice Bank
4 exercisesIf you want to pass the test, you must ______ an effort to study.
In English, we always 'make' an effort, we never 'do' one.
Choose the best option:
We use 'an' because 'effort' starts with a vowel sound, and 'to help' is the correct infinitive form.
A: I'm so tired of this project. B: I know, but we only have two days left. Please ______ to finish it.
The full phrase 'make an effort' fits perfectly as an imperative request.
Which adjective best describes 'making an effort' when you work with a whole team?
A 'concerted effort' is one made by a group of people acting together.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsYes, you can say 'We are making efforts to improve,' but 'make an effort' (singular) is much more common in daily speech.
It is neutral. You can use it in a business email or with your friends at a bar.
'Try' is a general verb. 'Make an effort' sounds more serious and implies you are using a lot of energy.
Yes! 'Big,' 'huge,' and 'great' are all common adjectives used with effort.
Because 'effort' starts with a vowel sound (e).
Yes, 'put in effort' is a very common synonym, often used for long-term projects.
Use 'made.' For example: 'I made an effort to call him yesterday.'
Yes, but 'exert yourself' or 'work out' are more specific for the gym.
It means you tried, but you didn't really care and didn't try very hard.
Yes, this means you are trying to be friendly to that person.
No, it only describes the attempt. You can make an effort and still fail.
It is an effort made by a group of people working together toward one goal.
Related Phrases
put in an effort
similarTo apply energy to something.
go the extra mile
builds onTo do more than is required.
try your best
synonymTo use all your ability.
exert oneself
specialized formTo make a physical or mental effort.
bend over backwards
similarTo make an extreme effort to please someone.
