a courageous effort

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a courageous effort" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an attempt or endeavor that requires bravery or determination, often in challenging circumstances. Example: "The team made a courageous effort to complete the project despite the tight deadline and limited resources."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science & Research

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Yesterday, Ms. Gruttadauria's doctors said she had made a courageous effort to overcome her profound injuries.

The New York Times

He played the lion's share of last Sunday's match at Saracens, a courageous effort given the weight on his shoulders.

Independent

While they were on the floor tonight, the Nets listened to the loud applause that rewarded a courageous effort.

The New York Times - Sports

SIMON--John L. Died peacefully at his home on June 8 following a courageous effort to overcome leukemia.

The New York Times

That's not to say that there was a courageous effort to bring about a surge that created stability in Iraq — all of that is true.

The New Yorker

Seaside Rock is pure art rock, a courageous effort when the band could have prepared a carbon copy follow-up to their last album.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

"I thought it was a very courageous effort on his part," Pinkel, Missouri's coach, said of Shaw.

The New York Times - Sports

By this token, Damien Hirst's new "blue" paintings, for example – constituting a dramatic swerve in artistic direction from the school of manufacturism that he is associated with – could arguably be described as a very courageous effort to escape the monstrously successful hedgehog status that his patrons and his public fame and wealth have imposed on him.

The Guardian - Arts

Unfortunately, though Carol's mother would wage a most courageous effort against her ailment, she would succumb.

Huffington Post

A brave header beyond the Brazil goalkeeper, Gabriel, lacked the pace to cross the line and prompted an equally courageous effort by the Sunderland striker only for Thiago Silva to intervene.

The Guardian - Sport

Engaging a government with deep ties to Big Food was a valiant and courageous effort, but the proposition's failure shows that the food movement should rely more on itself and less on the government.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a courageous effort" to commend someone's bravery or determination in overcoming a significant challenge. It's particularly effective when highlighting resilience in adverse situations.

Common error

Avoid using "a courageous effort" for everyday tasks or minor challenges. The phrase carries a strong connotation of bravery and should be reserved for genuinely difficult or dangerous situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a courageous effort" functions primarily as a noun phrase that describes an action or attempt. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability, denoting bravery and determination in undertaking something challenging. It typically serves as the object or subject complement in a sentence.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science & Research

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a courageous effort" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe an action or attempt characterized by bravery and determination. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its correct usage across various contexts, primarily in news and media, academia, and science. While versatile, it's best reserved for situations where genuine courage is demonstrated, avoiding overuse in trivial scenarios. Alternatives like "a valiant attempt" or "a brave endeavor" can provide nuanced variations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a valiant attempt

Replaces "effort" with "attempt", suggesting a try or endeavor, often against difficult odds.

a brave endeavor

Substitutes "courageous" with "brave" and "effort" with "endeavor", highlighting the boldness and ambition of the undertaking.

a spirited undertaking

Replaces "courageous" with "spirited" and "effort" with "undertaking", focusing on enthusiasm and energy.

a plucky attempt

Uses "plucky" to emphasize resilience and determination in the face of difficulty.

a bold move

Focuses on the daring and risk-taking aspect of the action.

a heroic deed

Emphasizes the admirable and selfless nature of the action.

a determined push

Highlights the focus and resolve behind the action.

an audacious feat

Stresses the boldness and impressiveness of the accomplishment.

a strenuous exertion

Focuses on the intense effort and energy expended.

a gutsy performance

Emphasizes the bravery and willingness to take risks.

FAQs

How can I use "a courageous effort" in a sentence?

You can use "a courageous effort" to describe someone's attempt to overcome a challenge with bravery. For example, "Despite the overwhelming odds, the team displayed "a courageous effort" to win the championship."

What are some alternatives to "a courageous effort"?

Some alternatives include "a valiant attempt", "a brave endeavor", or "a spirited undertaking", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "a courageous effort"?

Use "a courageous effort" when you want to emphasize the bravery and determination someone showed in facing a difficult or dangerous situation. It's best suited for scenarios where significant risk or adversity is involved.

Is there a difference between "a courageous effort" and "a heroic effort"?

While both phrases commend someone's actions, "a courageous effort" emphasizes the bravery and determination, while "a heroic effort" suggests an act of selflessness and extraordinary bravery, often involving saving others from danger.