in effort to or in an effort to?

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in effort to

This phrase is not correct. Don't use it.

This phrase is missing the indefinite article before the noun "effort."

Some alternatives from our editors:

  • in an effort to

in an effort to

This phrase is correct.

If you are explaining that you did something to try to bring about a result, you can use this phrase.

Some examples from our editors:

  • I did this in an effort to ameliorate the situation.
  • I changed the contract in an effort to satisfy the client.

Some alternatives from our editors:

  • so that
  • to try to
"In an effort to" is the correct phrase, not "in effort to."
Kay profile picture

Explained by Kay
Editor at TextRanch

Last updated: April 29, 2018

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