exerting

"My friend told me there was something in the box, but I didn't know what it was yet. "

"Consider that we’ve had three major events and the year has hardly begun."

"It took a lot of effort to find a decent-sized, fully-furnished apartment within walking distance of the office.   He made a conscious effort to not appear affected by the stories in the paper."

"My sister is very helpful, especially when it comes to organizing things. "

"The marathon runner had a vigorous training schedule. "

"Asphalt, composed of oil and sand, is a widely used material for roads."

"He injured himself."

"He is a student of life."

"I have absolutely no influence over him."

"The student's action of studying diligently improved her grades. "

"The enemy had the advantage of a more elevated position."

"The complicated instructions on the new software difficult me from completing the project on time. "