Mastering a variety of phrases to express purpose is crucial for effective communication in English. The phrase “in an effort to” is a common way to introduce an action taken with a specific aim.
However, relying solely on this phrase can make your writing and speech sound repetitive and less engaging. This article explores a wide range of synonyms for “in an effort to,” providing you with the tools to express purpose with greater nuance and precision.
Whether you’re a student, a professional, or simply an English language enthusiast, understanding these alternatives will enhance your communication skills and add depth to your vocabulary.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Definition of “In an Effort To”
- Structural Breakdown
- Types and Categories of Synonyms
- Examples
- Usage Rules
- Common Mistakes
- Practice Exercises
- Advanced Topics
- FAQ
- Conclusion
Definition of “In an Effort To”
The phrase “in an effort to” is an introductory phrase used to express the purpose or reason for doing something. It indicates that a particular action is being undertaken with the specific goal of achieving a desired outcome.
Grammatically, it functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying the verb in the main clause by providing information about the purpose of the action. The phrase is typically followed by a verb in its base form (infinitive without “to”).
For example, in the sentence “The company launched a new marketing campaign in an effort to increase sales,” the phrase “in an effort to increase sales” explains the reason for launching the campaign. The phrase provides context and clarifies the motivation behind the action.
Structural Breakdown
The structure of the phrase “in an effort to” is relatively straightforward:
- “In”: A preposition that indicates a relationship, often of location or state.
- “An”: An indefinite article used before a vowel sound.
- “Effort”: A noun referring to a conscious exertion of physical or mental energy.
- “To”: A preposition that, in this context, introduces the infinitive form of a verb.
- Verb (Base Form): The action that is being undertaken to achieve the desired outcome.
The entire phrase acts as an adverbial phrase, modifying the main verb of the sentence. It answers the question “Why?” or “For what purpose?”
Here’s a visual representation:
[Main Clause] + in an effort to + [Verb (Base Form)] + [Optional Object/Complement]
For instance:
The team worked overtime in an effort to meet the deadline.
Types and Categories of Synonyms
While “in an effort to” is a useful phrase, it’s important to have a variety of synonyms at your disposal. These synonyms can be categorized based on the specific nuance they convey.
Here are some key categories:
Synonyms Emphasizing Purpose
These synonyms highlight the intended result or goal of an action. They focus on the “why” behind the action.
- To: Simple and direct, often used for concise statements.
- In order to: Slightly more formal than “to,” emphasizing intention.
- So as to: Similar to “in order to,” but often used to avoid ambiguity.
- With the aim of: Clearly states the desired outcome.
- For the purpose of: Similar to “with the aim of,” but more formal.
- In the hope of: Expresses a desire for a particular outcome, with a degree of uncertainty.
- With the intention of: Highlights the deliberate nature of the action.
Synonyms Emphasizing Intention
These alternatives underscore the planned or deliberate nature of the action. They focus on the actor’s mindset and motivation.
- Intending to: Directly states the intention behind the action.
- Planning to: Highlights the preparatory steps taken before the action.
- Meaning to: Expresses a desire or aim, often with a sense of determination.
- Designing to: Suggests a carefully crafted plan to achieve a specific outcome.
Synonyms Emphasizing Attempt
These synonyms focus on the act of trying or striving to achieve something, often implying that the outcome is not guaranteed.
- Trying to: A general term for making an effort.
- Seeking to: Implies a more active and deliberate search for a specific outcome.
- Striving to: Suggests a sustained and determined effort.
- Endeavoring to: A more formal and emphatic version of “trying to.”
Synonyms Emphasizing Aim
These phrases directly state the target or objective of the action.
- Aimed at: Clearly indicates the target or goal.
- Targeting: Similar to “aimed at,” but often used in a more strategic context.
Synonyms Emphasizing Objective
These synonyms highlight a specific, measurable goal or objective.
- With the objective of: Clearly states the specific goal to be achieved.
- With the goal of: Similar to “with the objective of,” but slightly less formal.
Examples
To illustrate the use of these synonyms, consider the following examples, categorized by the emphasis they convey.
Examples Emphasizing Purpose
The following table presents examples that emphasize the purpose behind an action, using various synonyms for “in an effort to.”
| Original Sentence | Synonym | Revised Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| The government implemented new policies in an effort to reduce pollution. | To | The government implemented new policies to reduce pollution. |
| The company invested in new technology in an effort to improve efficiency. | In order to | The company invested in new technology in order to improve efficiency. |
| The students studied diligently in an effort to pass the exam. | So as to | The students studied diligently so as to pass the exam. |
| The charity organized a fundraising event in an effort to support the local community. | With the aim of | The charity organized a fundraising event with the aim of supporting the local community. |
| The researchers conducted the experiment in an effort to find a cure for the disease. | For the purpose of | The researchers conducted the experiment for the purpose of finding a cure for the disease. |
| The investors took a risk in an effort to gain high returns. | In the hope of | The investors took a risk in the hope of gaining high returns. |
| The politician made a speech in an effort to win votes. | With the intention of | The politician made a speech with the intention of winning votes. |
| The athlete trained rigorously in an effort to win the competition. | To | The athlete trained rigorously to win the competition. |
| The library extended its hours in an effort to accommodate more patrons. | In order to | The library extended its hours in order to accommodate more patrons. |
| The chef experimented with new recipes in an effort to create a signature dish. | So as to | The chef experimented with new recipes so as to create a signature dish. |
| The organization launched a social media campaign in an effort to raise awareness. | With the aim of | The organization launched a social media campaign with the aim of raising awareness. |
| The software developer wrote extensive tests in an effort to prevent bugs. | For the purpose of | The software developer wrote extensive tests for the purpose of preventing bugs. |
| The company offered discounts in an effort to attract new customers. | In the hope of | The company offered discounts in the hope of attracting new customers. |
| The teacher used interactive activities in an effort to engage the students. | With the intention of | The teacher used interactive activities with the intention of engaging the students. |
| The city council implemented new regulations in an effort to improve safety. | To | The city council implemented new regulations to improve safety. |
| The museum acquired new artifacts in an effort to enrich its collection. | In order to | The museum acquired new artifacts in order to enrich its collection. |
| The volunteers worked tirelessly in an effort to help the victims. | So as to | The volunteers worked tirelessly so as to help the victims. |
| The scientist conducted research in an effort to understand the phenomenon. | With the aim of | The scientist conducted research with the aim of understanding the phenomenon. |
| The artist created the masterpiece in an effort to express their emotions. | For the purpose of | The artist created the masterpiece for the purpose of expressing their emotions. |
| The explorer embarked on the journey in an effort to discover new lands. | In the hope of | The explorer embarked on the journey in the hope of discovering new lands. |
| The negotiator made concessions in an effort to reach an agreement. | With the intention of | The negotiator made concessions with the intention of reaching an agreement. |
| The doctor prescribed medication in an effort to alleviate the symptoms. | To | The doctor prescribed medication to alleviate the symptoms. |
Examples Emphasizing Intention
This table showcases examples where the focus is on the planned or deliberate nature of the action, using synonyms that highlight intention.
| Original Sentence | Synonym | Revised Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| The company restructured its departments in an effort to improve efficiency. | Intending to | The company restructured its departments, intending to improve efficiency. |
| The city council approved the new development project in an effort to boost the economy. | Planning to | The city council approved the new development project, planning to boost the economy. |
| The student enrolled in the advanced course in an effort to deepen their knowledge. | Meaning to | The student enrolled in the advanced course, meaning to deepen their knowledge. |
| The architect designed the building with sustainable materials in an effort to minimize its environmental impact. | Designing to | The architect designed the building with sustainable materials, designing to minimize its environmental impact. |
| The chef carefully selected the ingredients in an effort to create a perfect dish. | Intending to | The chef carefully selected the ingredients, intending to create a perfect dish. |
| The musician practiced diligently in an effort to perfect their performance. | Planning to | The musician practiced diligently, planning to perfect their performance. |
| The writer revised the manuscript in an effort to improve its clarity. | Meaning to | The writer revised the manuscript, meaning to improve its clarity. |
| The programmer wrote the code with comments in an effort to make it easier to understand. | Designing to | The programmer wrote the code with comments, designing to make it easier to understand. |
| The artist mixed colors carefully in an effort to capture the light. | Intending to | The artist mixed colors carefully, intending to capture the light. |
| The gardener pruned the roses in an effort to promote new growth. | Planning to | The gardener pruned the roses, planning to promote new growth. |
| The manager held a team meeting in an effort to improve communication. | Meaning to | The manager held a team meeting, meaning to improve communication. |
| The engineer designed the bridge with safety features in an effort to prevent accidents. | Designing to | The engineer designed the bridge with safety features, designing to prevent accidents. |
| The doctor ordered tests in an effort to diagnose the illness. | Intending to | The doctor ordered tests, intending to diagnose the illness. |
| The teacher prepared the lesson plans in an effort to engage the students. | Planning to | The teacher prepared the lesson plans, planning to engage the students. |
| The lawyer gathered evidence in an effort to win the case. | Meaning to | The lawyer gathered evidence, meaning to win the case. |
| The architect drafted the blueprint with precision in an effort to ensure accuracy. | Designing to | The architect drafted the blueprint with precision, designing to ensure accuracy. |
| The scientist conducted the experiment carefully in an effort to validate the hypothesis. | Intending to | The scientist conducted the experiment carefully, intending to validate the hypothesis. |
| The writer outlined the novel in an effort to structure the plot. | Planning to | The writer outlined the novel, planning to structure the plot. |
| The dancer rehearsed the routine in an effort to synchronize the movements. | Meaning to | The dancer rehearsed the routine, meaning to synchronize the movements. |
| The chef seasoned the dish carefully in an effort to enhance the flavor. | Designing to | The chef seasoned the dish carefully, designing to enhance the flavor. |
Examples Emphasizing Attempt
This table focuses on examples where the action is presented as an attempt or striving, using synonyms that highlight the effort involved.
| Original Sentence | Synonym | Revised Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| The climber scaled the mountain in an effort to reach the summit. | Trying to | The climber scaled the mountain, trying to reach the summit. |
| The detective investigated the case in an effort to uncover the truth. | Seeking to | The detective investigated the case, seeking to uncover the truth. |
| The athlete pushed their limits in an effort to break the record. | Striving to | The athlete pushed their limits, striving to break the record. |
| The diplomat negotiated with the opposing party in an effort to find a peaceful resolution. | Endeavoring to | The diplomat negotiated with the opposing party, endeavoring to find a peaceful resolution. |
| The student tackled the difficult problem in an effort to find a solution. | Trying to | The student tackled the difficult problem, trying to find a solution. |
| The researcher analyzed the data in an effort to identify patterns. | Seeking to | The researcher analyzed the data, seeking to identify patterns. |
| The entrepreneur worked tirelessly in an effort to build a successful business. | Striving to | The entrepreneur worked tirelessly, striving to build a successful business. |
| The humanitarian organization provided aid in an effort to alleviate suffering. | Endeavoring to | The humanitarian organization provided aid, endeavoring to alleviate suffering. |
| The programmer debugged the code in an effort to fix the errors. | Trying to | The programmer debugged the code, trying to fix the errors. |
| The artist experimented with new techniques in an effort to express their creativity. | Seeking to | The artist experimented with new techniques, seeking to express their creativity. |
| The scientist conducted the experiment in an effort to validate the hypothesis. | Striving to | The scientist conducted the experiment, striving to validate the hypothesis. |
| The lawyer presented the evidence in court in an effort to win the case. | Endeavoring to | The lawyer presented the evidence in court, endeavoring to win the case. |
| The doctor prescribed medication in an effort to relieve the symptoms. | Trying to | The doctor prescribed medication, trying to relieve the symptoms. |
| The teacher used interactive methods in an effort to engage the students. | Seeking to | The teacher used interactive methods, seeking to engage the students. |
| The politician campaigned vigorously in an effort to gain votes. | Striving to | The politician campaigned vigorously, striving to gain votes. |
| The writer revised the manuscript in an effort to improve its clarity. | Endeavoring to | The writer revised the manuscript, endeavoring to improve its clarity. |
| The musician practiced diligently in an effort to perfect their performance. | Trying to | The musician practiced diligently, trying to perfect their performance. |
| The chef experimented with new recipes in an effort to create a unique dish. | Seeking to | The chef experimented with new recipes, seeking to create a unique dish. |
| The dancer rehearsed the routine in an effort to synchronize the movements. | Striving to | The dancer rehearsed the routine, striving to synchronize the movements. |
| The gardener pruned the roses in an effort to encourage new growth. | Endeavoring to | The gardener pruned the roses, endeavoring to encourage new growth. |
Examples Emphasizing Aim
This table presents examples that emphasize the target or goal of an action, using synonyms that highlight the aim.
| Original Sentence | Synonym | Revised Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| The marketing campaign was designed in an effort to reach a younger demographic. | Aimed at | The marketing campaign was designed aimed at reaching a younger demographic. |
| The new policy is implemented in an effort to support small businesses. | Targeting | The new policy is implemented, targeting support for small businesses. |
| The educational program was created in an effort to improve literacy rates. | Aimed at | The educational program was created aimed at improving literacy rates. |
| The research project is conducted in an effort to find a cure for cancer. | Targeting | The research project is conducted, targeting a cure for cancer. |
| The social media campaign was launched in an effort to raise awareness about climate change. | Aimed at | The social media campaign was launched aimed at raising awareness about climate change. |
| The government implemented new regulations in an effort to protect the environment. | Targeting | The government implemented new regulations, targeting environmental protection. |
| The company developed a new product in an effort to meet customer needs. | Aimed at | The company developed a new product aimed at meeting customer needs. |
| The organization launched a fundraising initiative in an effort to support disaster relief efforts. | Targeting | The organization launched a fundraising initiative, targeting support for disaster relief efforts. |
| The university created a scholarship program in an effort to attract talented students. | Aimed at | The university created a scholarship program aimed at attracting talented students. |
| The health campaign was designed in an effort to promote healthy lifestyles. | Targeting | The health campaign was designed, targeting the promotion of healthy lifestyles. |
Examples Emphasizing Objective
This table provides examples where the action is directed towards a specific, measurable outcome, using synonyms that highlight the objective.
| Original Sentence | Synonym | Revised Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| The project was initiated in an effort to increase sales by 20%. | With the objective of | The project was initiated with the objective of increasing sales by 20%. |
| The training program was implemented in an effort to reduce employee turnover. | With the goal of | The training program was implemented with the goal of reducing employee turnover. |
| The new software was developed in an effort to improve processing speed. | With the objective of | The new software was developed with the objective of improving processing speed. |
| The marketing strategy was designed in an effort to expand market share. | With the goal of | The marketing strategy was designed with the goal of expanding market share. |
| The initiative was launched in an effort to enhance customer satisfaction. | With the objective of | The initiative was launched with the objective of enhancing customer satisfaction. |
| The research was conducted in an effort to discover new treatments. | With the goal of | The research was conducted with the goal of discovering new treatments. |
| The policy was enacted in an effort to promote economic growth. | With the objective of | The policy was enacted with the objective of promoting economic growth. |
| The campaign was started in an effort to raise public awareness. | With the goal of | The campaign was started with the goal of raising public awareness. |
| The system was upgraded in an effort to improve data security. | With the objective of | The system was upgraded with the objective of improving data security. |
| The workshop was organized in an effort to develop new skills. | With the goal of | The workshop was organized with the goal of developing new skills. |
Usage Rules
When using synonyms for “in an effort to,” it’s important to follow certain grammatical rules to ensure clarity and accuracy:
- Infinitive Form: Most synonyms, like “to,” “in order to,” and “so as to,” should be followed by the base form of the verb (the infinitive without “to”).
- Gerund Form: Phrases like “with the aim of” and “for the purpose of” are followed by the gerund form of the verb (the -ing form).
- Placement: These phrases typically appear at the beginning or in the middle of a sentence, before the main clause.
- Clarity: Choose the synonym that best reflects the intended meaning and context.
For example:
- Correct: The company invested in training to improve employee skills.
- Correct: The company invested in training with the aim of improving employee skills.
- Incorrect: The company invested in training with the aim of improve employee skills.
Common Mistakes
One common mistake is using the incorrect verb form after certain synonyms. For instance, using the base form of the verb after “with the aim of” is incorrect.
| Incorrect | Correct |
|---|---|
| The team worked hard with the aim of win the championship. | The team worked hard with the aim of winning the championship. |
| They studied diligently for the purpose of pass the exam. | They studied diligently for the purpose of passing the exam. |
| She exercised regularly in order that improve her health. | She exercised regularly in order to improve her health. |
Another common mistake is choosing a synonym that doesn’t quite fit the context. For example, using “meaning to” when you should use “intending to” might alter the intended meaning slightly.
Practice Exercises
Test your understanding of synonyms for “in an effort to” with the following exercises.
Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks
Fill in the blanks with the most appropriate synonym for “in an effort to” from the list provided: to, in order to, with the aim of, intending to, trying to.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. The company launched a new product ______ capture a larger market share. | to |
| 2. The student studied hard ______ get a good grade. | in order to |
| 3. The organization is raising funds ______ support the local community. | with the aim of |
| 4. The engineer is redesigning the system ______ improve its efficiency. | intending to |
| 5. The athlete is training rigorously ______ break the world record. | trying to |
| 6. The government implemented new policies ______ reduce pollution levels. | to |
| 7. The library extended its hours ______ accommodate more patrons. | in order to |
| 8. The charity organized an event ______ raise awareness about the issue. | with the aim of |
| 9. The programmer is debugging the code ______ fix the errors. | intending to |
| 10. The scientist is conducting research ______ find a cure for the disease. | trying to |
Exercise 2: Rewrite the Sentences
Rewrite the following sentences using a synonym for “in an effort to.”
| Original Sentence | Revised Sentence |
|---|---|
| 1. The company invested in new technology in an effort to increase productivity. | The company invested in new technology with the goal of increasing productivity. |
| 2. The government implemented new regulations in an effort to protect the environment. | The government implemented new regulations, targeting environmental protection. |
| 3. The student studied diligently in an effort to pass the exam. | The student studied diligently so as to pass the exam. |
| 4. The chef experimented with new recipes in an effort to create a signature dish. | The chef experimented with new recipes, seeking to create a signature dish. |
| 5. The organization launched a social media campaign in an effort to raise awareness. | The organization launched a social media campaign aimed at raising awareness. |
| 6. The volunteers worked tirelessly in an effort to help the victims. | The volunteers worked tirelessly to help the victims. |
| 7. The museum acquired new artifacts in an effort to enrich its collection. | The museum acquired new artifacts in order to enrich its collection. |
| 8. The explorer embarked on the journey in an effort to discover new lands. | The explorer embarked on the journey, hoping to discover new lands. |
| 9. The doctor prescribed medication in an effort to alleviate the symptoms. | The doctor prescribed medication, intending to alleviate the symptoms. |
| 10. The negotiator made concessions in an effort to reach an agreement. | The negotiator made concessions, endeavoring to reach an agreement. |
Exercise 3: Choose the Best Synonym
Choose the best synonym for “in an effort to” in each sentence, considering the context.
| Question | Options | Answer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. The company is offering discounts ______ attract new customers. | (a) to (b) with the aim of (c) designing to | (a) to | |
| 2. The scientist is conducting research ______ find a cure for the disease. | (a) intending to (b) trying to (c) targeting | (b) trying to | |
| 3. The politician is making speeches ______ win votes. | (a) so as to (b) with the objective of (c) meaning to | (a) so as to | |
| 4. The engineer designed the bridge ______ ensure safety. | (a) aimed at (b) designing to (c) striving to | (b) designing to | |
| 5. The athlete is training hard ______ break the record. | (a) with the goal of (b) seeking to (c) planning to | (a) with the goal of | |
| 6. The organization is providing aid ______ alleviate suffering. | (a) hoping to (b) endeavoring to (c) targeting | (b) endeavoring to | |
| 7. The programmer is debugging the code ______ fix the errors. | (a) with the intention of (b) meaning to (c) trying to | (c) trying to | |
| 8. The artist is experimenting with new techniques ______ express creativity. | (a) seeking to (b) with the purpose of (c) in order to | (a) seeking to | |
| 9. The lawyer presented the evidence ______ win the case. | (a) so as to (b | (a) so as to (b) targeting (c) meaning to | (a) so as to |
| 10. The teacher is using interactive methods ______ engage the students. | (a) with the objective of (b) with the aim of (c) intending to | (c) intending to |
Advanced Topics
Beyond the basic synonyms and usage rules, there are more nuanced ways to express purpose. These often involve using more complex sentence structures or idiomatic expressions.
- Subjunctive Mood: Using the subjunctive mood can add a layer of formality or emphasis to the expression of purpose. For example, “The company implemented the policy that sales might increase.”
- Complex Sentences: Combining multiple clauses to express purpose can provide a more detailed explanation. For instance, “Because the company aimed to expand its market share, it launched a new advertising campaign.”
- Idiomatic Expressions: Certain idioms can effectively convey purpose in a concise way. Examples include “to the end that,” “with a view to,” and “on behalf of.”
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about synonyms for “in an effort to.”
How do I choose the best synonym for “in an effort to”?
Consider the specific nuance you want to convey. Do you want to emphasize the purpose, the intention, the attempt, the aim, or the objective?
Choose the synonym that best aligns with your intended meaning.
Are some synonyms more formal than others?
Yes, phrases like “for the purpose of” and “endeavoring to” are generally more formal than “to” or “trying to.” Consider your audience and the context when making your choice.
Can I use multiple synonyms in the same piece of writing?
Yes, using a variety of synonyms can make your writing more engaging and less repetitive. However, ensure that each synonym is used appropriately and accurately.
Is it ever appropriate to use “in an effort to”?
Yes, “in an effort to” is a perfectly acceptable phrase. However, overusing it can make your writing sound monotonous.
The key is to vary your language and use a range of synonyms.
Conclusion
Mastering synonyms for “in an effort to” is an essential step in enhancing your English communication skills. By understanding the different nuances and usage rules of these alternatives, you can express purpose with greater precision and clarity.
Whether you’re writing a report, giving a presentation, or simply engaging in conversation, these tools will help you communicate more effectively and confidently. Remember to consider the context, your audience, and the specific meaning you want to convey when choosing the best synonym for your needs.
With practice and attention to detail, you can elevate your language skills and become a more proficient communicator.