make an effort — try hard
collocationB1IELTS 5+neutralcommon
to try hard to do something, even if it is difficult or you do not feel like it.
Say it like a native
Textbook I shall endeavour to attend more frequently.
Native I'll make an effort to come more often.
'Make an effort' is the everyday phrase; 'endeavour' is formal and a bit old-fashioned in speech.
Pattern: make an effort (to do something)
In use
- She made an effort to arrive on time, even though the traffic was terrible.daily life
- In my opinion, students should make an effort to participate in class discussions because it helps them learn more effectively.IELTS speaking
Common mistake
✗ You should do an effort to be on time.
✓ You should make an effort to be on time.
We MAKE an effort, never 'do an effort'.
Common collocations
make an effort + to— to be on time, to listen, a real effort, every effort
Don't confuse it
Compare with 'try', which is more general. 'Make an effort' emphasizes the difficulty or the intention to try hard.