a credible attempt

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a credible attempt" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing an effort or endeavor that is believable or worthy of trust. Example: "The researchers made a credible attempt to address the complex issues surrounding climate change."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

How can so many candidates build up, let alone sustain the momentum needed for a credible attempt to win the party's nomination over such a long time period?

The Economist

Far from a credible attempt to address a complex problem, the bill in its current form is more concerned with what the UK is seen to be doing than the real impact of our actions.

The Guardian

Without cynicism, you might say this is a credible attempt to show how an artist -- Dvorak or the cellist Jan Vogler -- explores and grapples with a piece in progress.

The New York Times

And the tomato and mozzarella salad, while not made with Jersey tomatoes in January, is a credible attempt made better with fresh cheese, grilled artichoke, alfalfa sprouts and cucumber.

The New York Times

Though it's easy to pigeonhole Mr. Cameron as a gear head who's more interested in cool tools (which here include 3-D), he is, with "Avatar," also making a credible attempt to create a paradigm shift in science-fiction cinema.

The New York Times

At today's PayPal developer conference, the company made two significant announcements that together add up to one thing: a credible attempt to dominate what could soon be a trillion-dollar market for mobile purchases.

MIT Technology Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

"So you don't want the FBI to investigate someone for the Supreme Court about a credible attempted rape allegation?

Huffington Post

I thought that they amounted to a very credible attempt to make the Microsoft brand as personal to its customers as Mac is to Apple's loyal following.

The Guardian

On first listen, their debut album is a surprisingly credible attempt to re-create the sounds of the Andrews Sisters and other vocal groups of the 1930s and 40s.

The Guardian - Music

Windows 10 has so far put into place a far more credible attempt at the same job.

TechCrunch

I'm putting it on this list for that reason – it's a credible, readable attempt to work through new findings and make sense of a condition that plagues millions.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a credible attempt", ensure that the context provides evidence or reasoning that supports the believability of the effort. For instance, specify the qualifications or resources that make the attempt plausible.

Common error

Avoid using "a credible attempt" when there is no clear basis for the attempt's plausibility. Unsupported claims of credibility can undermine your argument. Instead, substantiate why the attempt is worthy of trust.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a credible attempt" functions as a noun phrase, where "credible" modifies the noun "attempt". It is used to describe an effort that is believable and worthy of trust. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through real-world examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a credible attempt" is a noun phrase used to describe an effort that is believable and worthy of trust. It is grammatically correct and suitable for neutral to professional contexts, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. While not extremely common, it appears consistently in reputable sources like the New York Times and The Guardian. To use this phrase effectively, ensure that the context provides evidence or reasoning that supports the believability of the attempt.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a plausible endeavor

Focuses on the seeming possibility or likelihood of success.

a believable effort

Emphasizes the quality of being convincing or easy to accept as true.

a convincing try

Highlights the power of persuading someone of the validity of the attempt.

a realistic shot

Suggests that the attempt has a practical chance of succeeding.

a bona fide effort

Stresses the genuine and sincere nature of the attempt.

a legitimate endeavor

Highlights that the attempt is lawful, ethical, or justifiable.

a valid effort

Focuses on the well-founded and sound nature of the attempt.

a sincere undertaking

Emphasizes the honesty and earnestness behind the attempt.

a well-founded try

Highlights that the attempt is based on solid reasoning or evidence.

a genuine stab

Focuses on the pure and authentic nature of the attempt, suggesting it's free from pretense.

FAQs

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

You can use "a credible attempt" to describe an effort that is believable and likely to succeed, such as, "The company made "a credible attempt" to reduce its carbon footprint by investing in renewable energy sources."

What are some alternatives to "a credible attempt"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "a plausible endeavor", "a believable effort", or "a convincing try" to convey a similar meaning.

What makes an attempt "credible"?

An attempt is considered "credible" when it is based on sound reasoning, evidence, or expertise, making it believable and likely to achieve its intended outcome. The attempt should be trustworthy and worthy of confidence.

Is "a credible attempt" always successful?

No, "a credible attempt" does not guarantee success. It simply means that the effort is well-founded and believable, but external factors or unforeseen circumstances can still prevent it from achieving its goal. A "credible attempt" reflects the quality of the effort, not necessarily the outcome.