faire un effort

You conjugate the verb faire like usual. For example, je fais, tu fais, or nous faisons. You can use it alone or follow it with pour and a verb. If you want to say you are trying hard at a specific thing, use sur. For example, fais un effort sur ton écriture. It is flexible and fits into most sentences easily.

Use it at work when a project needs more energy. Use it with friends when they are being a bit lazy. It is perfect for parents telling kids to clean up. You might hear it at the gym from a trainer. In a restaurant, a waiter might say they will faire un effort to find you a table. It shows a willingness to help or improve.

Be careful using this when someone is already exhausted. It can sound very dismissive or rude then. Don't say it to your boss unless you are talking about yourself. Telling a superior to faire un effort might get you a one-way ticket to the exit. Also, avoid it in very tragic situations where 'trying' isn't the issue. It is for manageable challenges, not impossible feats.

French culture values precision and 'le travail bien fait' (well-done work). Faire un effort reflects this expectation of quality. It is often used in schools to encourage students. There is a certain pragmatism in the phrase. It acknowledges that things aren't perfect but can be better with sweat. It is a very grounded, non-flowery way to talk about progress.

You will often hear the plural: faire des efforts. This suggests a long-term commitment rather than a one-time push. You might also hear faire un petit effort. This sounds more polite and less like a demand. If someone is being stubborn, you might say fais un geste, which is a related way of asking for a compromise.