a cheap attempt

USAGE SUMMARY

"a cheap attempt" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that is done in a dishonest or insincere manner, often for personal gain or to deceive others. Example: The politician's promise to lower taxes was seen as nothing more than a cheap attempt to gain votes.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

A cheap attempt to get a mention.

The Guardian - Sport

"The joke itself was a cheap attempt to generate attention.

The Guardian - Opinion

Isn't this a cheap attempt to import the rhythms of the King James Bible to create a feeling of gravitas?

The Guardian - Books

The Star-Ledger reported that some prosecutors in Christie's office "were appalled, and saw it as a cheap attempt to score political points".

The New Yorker

Mr. McConnell accused Democrats of a "cheap attempt" at making Republicans look bad by saying that Republicans refused to consider ending a tax break for corporate jets.

The New York Times

Tabloid TV trash, I hear you saying, a cheap attempt to make a few bucks by raking over an ancient sensation.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

A Conservative spokesperson said: "This is a pretty cheap attempt by a Labour-linked union to distract from the overwhelming evidence of antisemitism in Labour that has emerged in recent weeks.

The Guardian

There are those who criticise the movement's commercial aspects, saying that by using a re-branded pre-existing concept of gaming as a business tool is an "overtly cheap attempt to sell" (Doust, 2011).

Huffington Post

Balpir Punj, a spokesman for the Bharatiya Janata Party, told a TV news channel that the measures passed Friday by the governing United Progressive Alliance were "a very cheap attempt by the U.P.A. to divert attention from the 'coalgate' scam".

The New York Times

The latter days of Susan Alexander as a tawdry-looking drunken singer at El Rancho in Atlantic City, where she is billed as "Susan Alexander Kane" — which tells us at once that she is so poor an entertainer that she must resort to this cheap attempt to exploit her connection with Kane — may have been lifted from the frayed end of Evelyn Nesbit's life.

The New Yorker

Agostinho said that Frey had made signs (they didn't speak a common language) that Frey would not contest the sprint and felt cheated by Frey's cheap attempt to win the stage.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When criticizing an action as "a cheap attempt", provide specific details about why you consider it insincere or inadequate. Substantiate your claim with evidence.

Common error

While "a cheap attempt" is understood, it can sound informal or judgmental. In professional or academic writing, opt for more nuanced language that conveys your criticism without sounding accusatory.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a cheap attempt" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "cheap" modifies the noun "attempt". It serves to characterize a particular effort as being of low quality and insincere. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a cheap attempt" is a commonly used phrase to express criticism towards an action perceived as insincere or inadequate. Grammatically correct, as per Ludwig AI, its use is prevalent in news and media, while less common in formal academic contexts. When using the phrase, aim to provide concrete reasons why you see the effort as lacking genuineness. While various alternatives exist, consider the specific shade of meaning you wish to convey. Alternatives like "a poor effort", "a transparent ploy", and "a disingenuous act" each bring slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a transparent ploy

Suggests the attempt is easily seen through and intended to deceive.

a disingenuous act

Stresses the insincerity and deceptiveness of the action.

a token effort

Highlights that the attempt was only done to fulfill an obligation.

a poor effort

Focuses on the low quality of the effort rather than the insincerity.

a cynical maneuver

Implies a distrustful and pessimistic motivation behind the attempt.

a weak try

Emphasizes the feebleness and ineffectiveness of the attempt.

a flimsy endeavor

Highlights the unsubstantial and fragile nature of the undertaking.

a half-hearted gesture

Conveys a lack of enthusiasm and commitment in the attempt.

a superficial exercise

Points to the lack of depth and thoroughness in the attempt.

a pathetic excuse

Focuses on how inadequate the justification for the action.

FAQs

How can I use "a cheap attempt" in a sentence?

You can use "a cheap attempt" to describe an action that seems insincere or inadequate, often done for personal gain or to deceive. For example: "The politician's promise was just "a cheap attempt" to win votes."

What are some alternatives to "a cheap attempt"?

Alternatives include "a poor effort", "a transparent ploy", or "a disingenuous act", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a cheap attempt"?

It's appropriate when you want to criticize an action as being insincere, inadequate, or done primarily for selfish reasons. However, be mindful of the context and avoid using it in overly formal or professional settings.

What's the difference between "a cheap attempt" and "a genuine effort"?

"A cheap attempt" implies insincerity and inadequacy, while "a genuine effort" suggests sincerity, dedication, and a real intention to succeed. The former is critical, the latter is commendatory.