Substantial attempts

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Substantial attempts" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe significant or considerable efforts made towards achieving a goal or completing a task. Example: "The team made substantial attempts to improve the project's outcome, resulting in a more successful launch."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Substantial attempts were made, particularly in the United States, to develop an art of discourse suitable for teaching in schools and universities.

Britannica

This picture is likely to be found in any secondary school in the country that is undergoing substantial attempts at improvement.

The Guardian

Will the crises and fierce debates set off by Brexit, which are likely to be long running and deep, do something to focus attention on these longstanding issues and force some substantial attempts to address them?

The Guardian - Opinion

The MBTI has failed substantial attempts to affirm its psychological validity.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

However, despite substantial effort, attempts to elicit oligomannose-specific antibodies with capacity to effectively neutralize HIV have not been successful4,5,6.

Nature

In our script, Onegin arrives late for the duel, as he does in the poem, but he makes a substantial attempt at reconciliation, which Lensky refuses.

The New Yorker

The art and science exhibitions that represent the Biennale's most substantial attempt to expand its appeal also emit mixed signals.

The New York Times - Arts

Mr. O'Connor also served as chairman of the American Association of Advertising Agencies from 1975 to 1976, and as the agency representative on the steering committee of the National Advertising Review Board, part of the industry's first substantial attempt at self-regulation.

The New York Times

The first substantial attempt to disentangle and make clear the complexities of this phenomenon in the United States, Economic Turbulence will be viewed as a major achievement and the centerpiece of any discussion on the subject for years to come.

University of Chicago

In summary, Bandstra (Bandstra 2008) provides a very detailed analysis of the text selected in his volume, but only a very general introduction to the theory behind the analysis, which befits its role as a students' guide to the text, whereas Tatu (Tatu 2008) provides a more substantial attempt at making explicit the lexicogrammar that lies behind his analysis.

Functional Linguistics

The researchers behind the "2012 World's Worst Pollution Problems" report say theirs is the first substantial attempt to estimate the number of people sickened or killed worldwide because they work in or live near tanneries, recycling plants, chemical factories or mines, among other toxic industries.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "substantial attempts" when you want to emphasize that significant and noticeable efforts were made, regardless of the outcome. It is useful to highlight the magnitude and seriousness of the effort, even if it did not lead to complete success.

Common error

Avoid using "substantial attempts" if the efforts yielded minimal or no results. The phrase suggests a significant investment of resources and energy, so it should be reserved for situations where the efforts were genuinely considerable, even if unsuccessful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "substantial attempts" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a series of significant efforts undertaken to achieve a specific goal. Ludwig AI confirms the appropriateness of the phrase in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

10%

Reference

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "substantial attempts" is a grammatically correct and usable expression in English, indicating significant efforts made towards a goal. While relatively uncommon, as noted by Ludwig, it appears in diverse contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedias. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and appropriateness. When using "substantial attempts", ensure the efforts genuinely warrant the description of being significant and avoid overstating the effectiveness of the actions taken. Consider alternatives like "significant efforts" or "considerable endeavors" to refine the specific nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

considerable endeavors

Replaces "attempts" with "endeavors", suggesting a more formal and sustained effort, and "substantial" with "considerable", implying a significant amount of effort.

significant efforts

Uses "efforts" instead of "attempts", implying dedicated work; replaces "substantial" with "significant", conveying importance and magnitude.

major undertakings

Emphasizes the scale and complexity of the attempts, implying they are large and important projects.

extensive measures

Focuses on the breadth and scope of the actions taken, rather than the intention behind them.

serious initiatives

Highlights the earnestness and purposefulness of the attempts, suggesting they are well-thought-out and important.

determined actions

Underscores the resolve and persistence behind the attempts, emphasizing a strong commitment to achieving a goal.

vigorous pursuits

Implies an energetic and active approach to achieving a goal, suggesting a dynamic and forceful effort.

strenuous trials

Highlights the difficulty and challenges involved in the attempts, suggesting they are demanding and require considerable effort.

ambitious endeavors

Emphasizes the high goals and aspirations driving the attempts, suggesting they are bold and innovative.

large-scale operations

Focuses on the size and scope of the attempts, implying they involve significant resources and coordination.

FAQs

How can I use "substantial attempts" in a sentence?

You can use "substantial attempts" to describe significant efforts made towards a goal. For instance, "The company made "substantial attempts" to reduce its carbon footprint."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "substantial attempts"?

Alternatives include phrases like "significant efforts", "considerable endeavors", or "major undertakings", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "substantial attempts" or "substantial effort"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "Substantial effort" refers to the amount of energy or work put into something, while "substantial attempts" refers to specific actions or endeavors undertaken.

When should I use "substantial attempts" instead of "minor attempts"?

Use "substantial attempts" when the efforts are significant in scale or impact. If the efforts are small or insignificant, "minor attempts" or "preliminary attempts" would be more appropriate.