What is effort? Pronunciation and usage in English

effort means . Learn how to pronounce and use effort through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of effort

effortnoun

/ˈɛfət/
Definition & pronunciation of effort

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "effort" in English! Here's a breakdown:

The general pronunciation is:

/ˈef.fərt/

Let's break that down syllable by syllable:

  • "Ef" - This is pronounced like "if" – a short, quick "ih" sound. It's almost like you're starting a "leaf" sound.
  • "For" - This is pronounced like "fur" - with the "u" sound as in "fun".
  • "T" – This is a very short, quick "t" sound, almost barely noticeable.

Putting it together:

It flows like this: "If-fur-t"

Tips for getting it right:

  • Stress: The stress is on the first syllable ("ef"). This means you want to make that syllable a little louder and longer.
  • Short 'u' sound: Make sure you’re using the short “u” sound like in “fun” and not the long “oo” sound like in “moon.”
  • Quick 't': That final "t" is very short – don’t linger on it.

Resources for hearing it:

  • Google Search: Search for "how to pronounce effort" on Google and click the audio icon.
  • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/effort/ – This website lets you hear native speakers pronounce the word.

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Give you a similar word to practice with?

Usage and examples with the word effort in English

Let's break down how to use the word "effort" in English. It's a versatile word with a few different nuances. Here's a comprehensive guide:

1. As a Noun (the core meaning):

  • Definition: Effort refers to the exertion of physical or mental power in order to achieve a purpose. It’s the amount of energy, time, or work you put into something.

  • Examples:

    • "He put a lot of effort into his presentation." (He worked hard on it.)
    • "The effort to clean up the park was appreciated by everyone." (The work done to clean was valued.)
    • "She has put in a tremendous effort to learn a new language." (She’s worked incredibly hard.)
    • “It takes a lot of effort to train a dog.” (It requires a lot of work and patience.)

2. As a Noun (a deliberate attempt):

  • Definition: It can also describe a specific attempt or attempt to do something.

  • Examples:

    • “He made an effort to be polite.” (He tried to be polite.)
    • "The company made an effort to improve customer service." (They tried to make changes.)
    • “She put a lot of effort into improving her mood.” (She tried to feel better.)

3. Phrases Using "Effort":

  • “Put effort into…”: This is very common. It means to make an active attempt to do something well.

    • "You need to put more effort into your studies."
    • "Please put some effort into writing a good letter."

  • “Worth the effort”: This describes something that was difficult to achieve but ultimately successful.

    • “Climbing Mount Everest is a huge effort, but it’s truly worth the effort.”

  • “A lot of effort” / “Great effort”: Used to emphasize the degree of work involved.

    • “It took a lot of effort to get the project finished on time.”

  • “Effort expended” / “Effort invested”: Formal terms for the amount of work put in.

    • “The company reported significant effort expended on research and development.”

4. Figurative Uses (Less Common, but Important):

  • Effort of will: This refers to the mental determination and discipline needed to overcome a difficulty.

    • "It required a great effort of will to resist the temptation."

  • Effort of persuasion: The attempt to convince someone.

    • "He used every effort of persuasion to convince her to come with him.”

Key Differences to Note:

  • “Work” vs. “Effort”: While often interchangeable, “effort” implies a conscious application of energy and intention. “Work” can be more general – simply doing something.

  • “Attempt” vs. “Effort”: “Attempt” is a single try, while “effort” represents the complete process of trying and putting in the necessary resources.

Tips for Using "Effort" Correctly:

  • Consider the context: How much work is involved? Is it a deliberate attempt?
  • Use strong verbs: "To try," "to strive," "to exert," and "to dedicate" often accompany "effort."
  • Don't overuse it: While "effort" is a useful word, sometimes simpler language is clearer.

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • What kind of writing are you doing (e.g., academic, creative, business)?
  • Can you give me an example sentence where you’re trying to use "effort" so I can review it and offer specific suggestions?

Synonyms for the word effort

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