Fact Frenzy

Have you ever been told by someone that you need to make a “concerted” effort? You may wanted to ask them to clarify what they mean, especially if they told you to do it by yourself.

Fact Frenzy sheds some light on the frequently misused (and perhaps over-used) term: concerted effort.

A “concerted effort” actually means something different than just giving it your “best effort”.

Take a look at the following scenarios:

• A boss tells a subordinate that he needs to make a concerted effort to get his report ready before the next board meeting.
• A teacher tells her student that she needs to make a concerted effort to do well on her next test.
• A coach tells an athletic team that each player needs to make a concerted effort to be at the next practice.

These are statements that are often heard in a variety of situations. Unfortunately, what the term implies may or may not always be what the speaker intended.

After all, the word “concerted” is defined as the efforts of two or more people — hence the root word, concert.

In an orchestra concert, many instruments play together. This is what is meant by a concerted effort — a group effort to perform a song, or a task in a general sense.

Dictionary.com defines “concerted” as:

1. contrived or arranged by agreement; planned or devised together: a concerted effort.
2. done or performed together or in cooperation: a concerted attack.
3. Music. arranged in parts for several voices or instruments.

What happens, however, is that many people tend to use the term as meaning a concentrated effort, as fancy-speak to imply the person needs to address the issue seriously, or to make a big effort.

Therefore, in the above scenarios cited as examples, the following could apply if the term was actually used correctly:

• The boss was implying the report should be completed as a group effort, enlisting the help of other co-workers.
• The teacher was implying the next test was going to be completed in groups, and not individually. Or, the student should call upon others to help her prepare for the test.
• The coach was suggesting carpooling to aide the players in getting to the next practice.

If none of those situations apply, it’s probably safe to believe that they were trying to convey the importance of taking the matter seriously, and giving it your best effort. That is, even if they used the term incorrectly.

In any case, it’s always good practice to ask for clarification, than assume to take on the role of an army of one.

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