It was taken over in late December by government soldiers who were collecting weapons as part of a general effort at disarmament, residents said.

A general clean-up effort netted the town an award from a state appearance committee.

Or the plans to bug the Democrats' offices were simply part of a general spying effort.

There is a general effort to create more sophisticated food.

This would at least distinguish from more general efforts toward sustainable development.

She hopes other areas will follow this example, as part of a general effort to encourage young players.

In the late 80's, in a general effort to improve public schools, states began providing such standards by developing minimum requirements for students.

Their activities thus linked up with more general efforts to protect the rural environment.

The bank audits are part of a general effort by the revenue service to scrutinize foreign companies more closely.

Though some sales have gone forward, the general effort has met resistance from members of Congress and advocacy groups.