What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
effort
Example
She put in a lot of effort to finish the project on time. [effort: noun]
Example
He is making an effort to improve his grades this semester. [effort: noun]
labor
Example
The construction workers were engaged in hard labor all day. [labor: noun]
Example
She labored for hours to give birth to her first child. [labored: past tense verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Effort is more commonly used than labor in everyday language. Effort is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while labor is more specific and often associated with manual work or professions.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between effort and labor?
Both effort and labor can be used in formal and informal contexts, but labor may be more commonly used in professional or technical settings.