When we look at the phrases in efforts to and in an effort to, they may seem the same on the surface, but the differences are quite important. I often talk through such nuances in writing because knowing when to use them can make a big difference in how polished your English sounds. The two expressions share general ideas, yet they serve different purposes. For example, in efforts to is used when you’re talking about multiple actions made to make something happen, while in an effort to highlights one singular attempt.
I’ve noticed that writers might try to blend the two, but context usually decides which one works better. You want to choose based on what you’ve done or decided—whether it’s several actions or a single act. You can justify your choice by saying you’re focusing on precision or clarity. Once you explain why one phrase fits, everything else just falls into place naturally, like good rhythm in writing.
What Does “In an Effort To” Mean?
When you say “in an effort to”, you’re referring to one specific attempt to achieve something. The phrase breaks down like this:
- in (preposition)
- an effort (singular countable noun)
- to + verb (infinitive form)
You use it when you want to express “with the intention of” or “in order to” do something.
Examples
- She organized the meeting in an effort to improve teamwork.
- The city reduced subsidies in an effort to balance the budget.
- We sent reminders in an effort to increase attendance.
Tone & Usage
- This phrase is common in formal writing: business reports, academic papers, press releases.
- It emphasizes a single, unified attempt rather than many small ones.
Why It Works
The singular “effort” signals one coordinated action. When writers use this form, readers understand there’s a clear, intentional move toward a goal.
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What Does “In Efforts To” Mean?
“In efforts to” uses the plural noun efforts, which implies multiple actions or separate attempts toward the same goal.
Meaning & Usage
- Use it when you’re referring to various activities, collaborative efforts, or ongoing attempts.
- Example: The teams joined in efforts to improve coordination.
- Example: Several organizations pooled resources in efforts to combat hunger.
Nuance
- It suggests breadth or repetition: more than one effort.
- It’s less common in everyday writing when compared with “in an effort to”.
Best Fit
- When you’re describing several groups or multiple initiatives.
- It often appears in contexts like non-profits, government programs, research collaborations where many distinct actions are underway.
The Key Difference Between “In Efforts To” and “In An Effort To”
Here’s a comparison table to clarify the distinction:
| Phrase | Grammatical Structure | Meaning | Typical Usage | Example |
| In an effort to | Singular noun “effort” | One specific attempt | Most common, formal | She acted in an effort to save time. |
| In efforts to | Plural noun “efforts” | Multiple combined or ongoing attempts | Less common, broader | They worked in efforts to reduce waste across plants. |
Summary
- Use “in an effort to” when the focus is on a single, deliberate attempt.
- Use “in efforts to” when describing multiple or collaborative actions toward a goal.
Which Is Grammatically Correct?
To answer quickly: “in an effort to” is the default, grammatically correct form in most cases. “In efforts to” is correct when it matches the context of multiple efforts.
Correct vs. Incorrect
- “He spoke in an effort to clarify the rules.”
- “He spoke in efforts to clarify the rules.” (sounds awkward unless you’re implying many separate attempts)
- “The groups collaborated in efforts to rebuild the community.” (plural fits)
Why It Matters
Most writers default to “in an effort to” because they mean “with one intention.” Choosing the wrong form risks sounding awkward, or making your writing less professional.
“In Effort To” – Is It Ever Correct?
Short answer: Generally, no. The variant “in effort to” (missing “an” or plural “efforts”) is considered ungrammatical in standard writing.
Example of the mistake
- “In effort to change things, we….”
- “In an effort to change things, we….”
Why it fails
- “Effort” is a countable noun, so it needs an article (“an”) when in singular form.
- Without the article, the phrase feels incomplete and unnatural.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Here are some frequent errors and how to fix them:
Mistakes
- Using “in efforts to” when only one action occurred.
- Dropping the article “an” (“in effort to”).
- Treating “effort” as a mass noun (like “work”) when it isn’t.
Corrections & Tips
- Tip: If you’re describing just one concerted attempt → use “in an effort to”.
- Tip: If describing many separate actions or a group’s repeated attempts → use “in efforts to”.
- Tip: If you’re unsure, default to “in an effort to”; it will often be correct.
- Mnemonic: One effort = an effort. Many attempts = efforts.
Example Corrections
- “The company took measures in efforts to save costs.”
- “The company took measures in an effort to save costs.”
- “Various departments worked in efforts to save costs.”
Real-World Usage Examples
Seeing actual usage helps cement your understanding. Here are examples from respected sources.
Example Pool
- “The teams met in an effort to resolve differences.”
- “Schools are collaborating in efforts to combat absenteeism.”
- “The council launched new policies in an effort to reduce crime.”
Why They Work
- The first and third use “an effort” because each describes a singular initiative.
- The second uses “efforts” because it involves multiple schools and repeated programs.
Similar Phrases and Alternatives
Sometimes you might want variety. Here are alternatives and when they fit best:
| Alternative Phrase | Tone | Best Used In |
| in an effort to | Formal, clear | Business, formal reports |
| in efforts to | Collective, broad | Multi-group collaboration, large projects |
| in order to | Neutral, straightforward | General use across contexts |
| in a bid to | Journalistic, partly informal | Headlines, media articles |
| with the aim of | Slightly formal, descriptive | Strategic writing, goal-setting documents |
Quick Tip
Pick the alternative that matches how many efforts you’re talking about and how formal the context is.
Grammar Deep Dive (for Grammar Lovers)
If you enjoy peeling back layers of language, here’s a deeper look at the structure of these phrases.
Parts of Speech & Structure
- In → preposition
- an / (nothing) → article (if singular)
- effort(s) → noun (countable)
- to → infinitive marker
- verb → action
Why “an” is needed
Because “effort” is singular countable, it needs “a/an”. Without it, the phrase breaks standard grammar rules.
Infinitive usage
“In an effort to + verb” uses the infinitive form (“to improve”, “to reduce”) to express purpose. This matches standard patterns in English grammar.
Plural vs singular nuance
The plural “efforts” implies multiple, discrete attempts—each one may be separate. A singular “effort” suggests the attempts are considered as one cohesive action.
How to Decide Which to Use in Your Writing
Here’s a shortlist you can bookmark:
- Do you mean one single, coordinated attempt? → Use “in an effort to”.
- Do you mean several separate activities/initiatives? → Use “in efforts to”.
- Are you unsure? → Default to “in an effort to” (it’s safer).
- Read the sentence aloud. Does it sound natural? Trust your ear.
Quick Decision Flow
- Is it one initiative? → Yes → “in an effort to”
- Is it many initiatives? → Yes → “in efforts to”
- Not sure? → Use “in an effort to”
Summary Table – Quick Reference
| Situation | Use This Phrase | Example Sentence |
| One specific attempt | In an effort to | “She renamed the file in an effort to avoid confusion.” |
| Multiple ongoing attempts | In efforts to | “Teachers worked in efforts to raise reading levels.” |
| Dropped article (incorrect) | In effort to | “They acted in effort to save time.” (incorrect) |
Conclusion
Both in efforts to and in an effort to express intention, but they differ in number and focus. The first suits cases with multiple attempts, while the second refers to a single, specific one. Understanding these subtle differences helps your writing sound more thoughtful, accurate, and fluent. Once you start paying attention to these details, your sentences will feel smoother and more natural.
FAQs
Q1: Is “in efforts to” grammatically correct?
Yes, it is correct when describing multiple attempts or collective actions toward a goal.
Q2: When should I use “in an effort to”?
Use it when referring to one singular attempt or reason behind an action.
Q3: Can both phrases be used interchangeably?
Not exactly. They share the same general meaning, but context—singular or plural—determines the best fit.
Q4: Which one sounds more formal?
“In an effort to” is slightly more formal and appears more often in academic or professional writing.
Q5: Why does this difference matter?
It matters because choosing the right phrase helps you communicate intention clearly, showing attention to grammatical precision and tone.
Bella Rae 
Lily Grace