make an effort

Meaning

This collocation means to do something that requires physical or mental exertion; it means to try hard to accomplish a task. It is used when someone actively puts energy into doing something, especially when it is not easy or convenient.

Examples

• You need to make an effort to arrive on time for our meetings.

  You need to make an effort to arrive on time for our meetings.

• Even though he was tired, he made an effort to smile and welcome the guests.

  Even though he was tired, he made an effort to smile and welcome the guests.

• If we all make an effort, we can finish this project by Friday.

  If we all make an effort, we can finish this project by Friday.

• She is really making an effort to learn Japanese before her trip.

  She is really making an effort to learn Japanese before her trip.

• I appreciate you making an effort to understand my point of view.

  I appreciate you making an effort to understand my point of view.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I will do an effort to pass the exam.

  ✓ I will make an effort to pass the exam.

  The noun 'effort' always collocates with the verb 'make', never 'do'.

• ✗ He made effort to clean his room.

  ✓ He made an effort to clean his room.

  You must use the article 'an' before 'effort' when referring to a singular attempt.

Related Expressions

Practice

• If you want to improve your pronunciation, you have to ___.

  💡 Try hard.

  Show answer

  make an effort

• Thank you for ___ to come to my party despite the heavy rain.

  💡 Trying hard.

  Show answer

  making an effort