Trying with purpose

The idea

Make an effort means try hard; add to and a verb to name the action.

Examples

• Mira makes an effort to remember her neighbours’ names.
• The team made a great effort to finish the bridge before winter.
• Please make an extra effort to keep the kitchen clean.
• After the argument, both friends made a real effort to listen.
• Our teacher makes a special effort to include quiet students.
• The shop made a conscious effort to reduce its packaging.

Watch out

Avoid do an effort: the usual combination is make an effort.

Try it yourself

1. Choose the missing word. We can ___ an effort to save water. (make / makes)

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   make

   make follows the modal in its base form.

2. Choose the missing word. Yesterday, Omar ___ an effort to arrive early. (made / makes)

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   made

   made refers to an attempt in the past.

3. Choose the missing word. The children made an effort ___ share the toys. (to / at)

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   to

   to introduces the action the person tries to do.

Use it today

Describe an effort you could make to help someone.