Grammar fix
make an effort
try hard
to try hard to do something, even if it is difficult or you do not feel like it.
collocationB1common
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
- 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
Fix the pattern
Pattern: make an effort (to do something)
WrongYou should do an effort to be on time.
RightYou should make an effort to be on time.
We MAKE an effort, never 'do an effort'.
Patternmake an effort (to do something)
Use it right
Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.
'Make an effort' is the everyday phrase; 'endeavour' is formal and a bit old-fashioned in speech.
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
make an effort + toto be on timeto listena real effortevery effort
Don't confuse it
Compare with 'try', which is more general. 'Make an effort' emphasizes the difficulty or the intention to try hard.