a good attempt

USAGE SUMMARY

"a good attempt" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an effort someone has made to complete a task, for example: "He made a good attempt at completing the project, but unfortunately did not succeed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

This was a good attempt, but it was not profound enough.

The New York Times

It was a good attempt, but not entirely successful.Reassurance is needed.

The Economist

It was a good attempt to explain what you were thinking".

The New Yorker

Had a good attempt entering the final 20 minutes, heading a corner just wide.

The Guardian - Sport

11.15am BST 6 min: This is a good attempt from Sterling.

The Guardian - Sport

K. Vijay Kumar, who heads the border force in Srinagar, made a good attempt at normalcy.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

In recent years, Star Cops has undergone something of a critical re-appraisal and is generally hailed for being "a pretty good attempt at a moderately realistic "High Frontier" SF series".

Wikipedia

Maybe all of those things have something to do with it, but maybe they don't... Lucky for you, we made a new show that makes a darn good attempt to explain Florida Men and Women".

Huffington Post

Her second single, an English version of Edith Piaf's "Hymne de L'Amour" and called "If You Love Me (Really Love Me)", was a surprisingly good attempt at generating Phil Spector's Wall of Sound in a British studio.

Independent

"A very good attempt," patronises Jim Beglin on ITV.

The Guardian - Sport

While the infinitely varied life of a university student is something that must be difficult to capture on screen, I applaud the Fresh Meat team for a damn good attempt.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a good attempt" to acknowledge effort, even when the desired outcome isn't achieved. It's suitable for constructive feedback and positive reinforcement.

Common error

Avoid using "a good attempt" as a generic compliment. Pair it with specific observations about what was done well or areas for improvement to make your feedback more valuable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a good attempt" functions primarily as an adjective phrase modifying the noun "attempt". Ludwig AI analysis confirms it is grammatically correct and commonly used to describe an effort made, whether or not it was successful.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

38%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a good attempt" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that serves to acknowledge effort, whether successful or not. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriateness in written English. It is commonly found in News & Media and Science contexts, with a neutral register suitable for various settings. When using this phrase, be mindful of the context and ensure it is accompanied by specific feedback for greater impact. Alternatives such as ""valiant effort"" or ""commendable effort"" can be used to convey slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a valiant effort

Emphasizes the courage and determination involved in the attempt.

a commendable effort

Highlights the praiseworthiness of the effort made.

a notable endeavor

Suggests that the attempt is worthy of attention or recognition.

a creditable performance

Focuses on the positive aspects of the execution, even if not entirely successful.

a decent try

Indicates an acceptable level of effort or skill.

a reasonable shot

Implies that the attempt was logical or justified under the circumstances.

a fair shake

Indicates the chance given was good.

a sincere effort

Emphasizes the genuineness and honesty of the attempt.

a determined push

Highlights the strong will and resolve behind the attempt.

a spirited try

Emphasizes the enthusiasm and energy put into the attempt.

FAQs

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

You can use "a good attempt" to acknowledge someone's effort, like in the sentence, "He made "a good attempt" to fix the car, even though it still won't start."

What are some alternatives to saying "a good attempt"?

Alternatives include "valiant effort", "commendable effort", or "decent try", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to say "a good attempt"?

While generally positive, using "a good attempt" might sound condescending if the effort was clearly inadequate or the task was simple. Consider the context and the person's expectations.

What's the difference between "a good attempt" and "a successful attempt"?

"A good attempt" acknowledges the effort made, while "a successful attempt" indicates that the desired outcome was achieved. They are not interchangeable in most contexts.