make an effort
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Use it to show you are trying your best, especially when a task is challenging or social.
15秒でわかる
- To try hard to achieve something difficult.
- Always use 'make' with 'effort', never use 'do'.
- Shows you care about the outcome of an action.
意味
This phrase describes the act of trying hard to do something, especially when it is difficult or you do not feel like doing it. It is about showing that you are actually putting in energy rather than being lazy or indifferent.
主な例文
3 / 6Encouraging a friend
You should really make an effort to see him before he leaves.
You should really make an effort to see him before he leaves.
At a formal dinner
I appreciate that you made an effort to dress up for the occasion.
I appreciate that you made an effort to dress up for the occasion.
Texting about a workout
I'm exhausted, but at least I made an effort at the gym today!
I'm exhausted, but at least I made an effort at the gym today!
文化的背景
The phrase reflects the Western cultural value of 'meritocracy,' where the act of trying is highly respected. In the UK and US, 'making an effort' is often seen as a sign of social respect, such as dressing up for a party or learning a few words of a local language while traveling.
The 'Do' Trap
Many languages use the verb for 'do' with effort. In English, saying 'I did an effort' sounds like 'I did a food.' Always use 'make'!
Add an Adjective
To sound more like a native, add a descriptive word: 'a conscious effort,' 'a valiant effort,' or 'a minimal effort.'
15秒でわかる
- To try hard to achieve something difficult.
- Always use 'make' with 'effort', never use 'do'.
- Shows you care about the outcome of an action.
What It Means
Make an effort is all about the energy you put into a task. It is not just about doing something; it is about trying. You use it when someone needs to push themselves a little harder. Think of it as the opposite of being lazy or 'half-hearted.' If you make an effort, you are showing people that you care about the result. Even if you fail, people usually appreciate that you tried.
How To Use It
This phrase is a 'collocation,' which means these words always hang out together. You almost always use the verb make with effort. You can say make an effort for general situations. If you want to be specific, use make an effort to followed by a verb. For example: make an effort to arrive on time. You can also add adjectives like a big effort or a real effort to show how much energy is being used. It is like adding extra spice to your sentence!
When To Use It
Use this when you want to encourage someone or describe your own hard work. It is perfect for the workplace when discussing projects. It is also great for relationships. If your friend is feeling lonely, you might make an effort to call them more often. Use it at a restaurant if the service is slow but the waiter is trying their best. 'At least he is making an effort,' you might whisper to your date.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for things that are easy or automatic. You do not make an effort to breathe or blink. Also, avoid using it if someone has already succeeded brilliantly. Saying 'you made an effort' to someone who just won an Olympic gold medal sounds like a bit of an insult! It implies they just 'tried' rather than dominated. Also, be careful with the word do. Never say do an effort. It sounds very strange to native speakers.
Cultural Background
In many English-speaking cultures, 'trying' is sometimes valued as much as 'winning.' There is a big emphasis on the 'A for effort' mentality. This comes from school systems where teachers reward students who work hard even if they do not get the highest grades. It is a very polite way to acknowledge someone's hard work without focusing purely on the final result. It shows you value their time and intention.
Common Variations
Put in the effort: This feels a bit more physical, like you are pouring energy into a box.Go the extra mile: This means doing even more than what is expected of you.Give it a go: A more casual way to say you will try something new.Exert yourself: This is very formal and usually refers to physical exercise or intense mental work.
使い方のコツ
This is a highly versatile B1-level phrase. The most important thing to remember is the verb pairing: it is always 'make,' never 'do' or 'take.'
The 'Do' Trap
Many languages use the verb for 'do' with effort. In English, saying 'I did an effort' sounds like 'I did a food.' Always use 'make'!
Add an Adjective
To sound more like a native, add a descriptive word: 'a conscious effort,' 'a valiant effort,' or 'a minimal effort.'
The Sarcastic Effort
If someone does something very badly, saying 'Well, you made an effort' is a common way to be funny or slightly mean.
例文
6You should really make an effort to see him before he leaves.
You should really make an effort to see him before he leaves.
Used here to give friendly advice about maintaining a relationship.
I appreciate that you made an effort to dress up for the occasion.
I appreciate that you made an effort to dress up for the occasion.
A polite way to acknowledge someone following a dress code.
I'm exhausted, but at least I made an effort at the gym today!
I'm exhausted, but at least I made an effort at the gym today!
Using the phrase to feel proud of personal progress.
Could you at least make an effort to wash your own dishes?
Could you at least make an effort to wash your own dishes?
A slightly sarcastic or frustrated way to ask for help.
I am making a real effort to understand your point of view.
I am making a real effort to understand your point of view.
Shows emotional maturity and a desire to resolve conflict.
The team made a concerted effort to meet the deadline.
The team made a concerted effort to meet the deadline.
'Concerted' adds a level of professional intensity to the effort.
自分をテスト
Choose the correct verb to complete the collocation.
If you want to pass the exam, you need to ___ an effort to study every night.
In English, we always 'make' an effort. 'Do an effort' is a common mistake for non-native speakers.
Select the best preposition to follow the phrase.
She made a huge effort ___ be polite to her rude boss.
We use 'make an effort + to + verb' to describe the specific action being attempted.
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ビジュアル学習ツール
Formality Scale of 'Make an Effort'
Used with friends or family.
Make an effort to text back!
Standard daily use.
I'll make an effort to be there.
Professional or serious settings.
We must make every effort to succeed.
When to use 'Make an Effort'
Socializing
Going to a party when tired.
Work
Finishing a hard report.
Learning
Practicing difficult grammar.
Self-Care
Waking up early to run.
よくある質問
10 問No, 'take' is used for time or resources, like it takes effort to learn. But as an action you perform, you must make an effort.
It is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend without any issues.
'Effort' is just the noun (energy). Make an effort is the full action of using that energy.
Yes, like make an effort to smile. It implies the small thing is actually a bit hard for you right now.
It is an idiom meaning someone failed but should be praised because they tried very hard.
Yes, but it is much more formal. We are making efforts to improve sounds like a corporate announcement.
Just change 'make' to 'made'. For example: I made an effort to call her yesterday.
They are similar, but make an effort sounds more intentional and hardworking than just try.
This means a planned, determined effort, often made by a group of people working together.
Yes, but usually we use it when the exercise is a struggle, like making an effort to finish the last mile.
関連フレーズ
Try your best
To do everything you can to succeed.
Give it your all
To use 100% of your energy on something.
Put your heart into it
To do something with great passion and effort.
Go through the motions
The opposite: doing something without making any real effort.
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