a good try

USAGE SUMMARY

"a good try" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to express encouragement or appreciation for an effort, regardless of the result. For example, if someone attempted a difficult task but was unable to complete it, you might say, "Good try! I'm sure you'll do better next time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

Ablett then had what appeared to be a good try ruled out by the touch judge before Dobson extended the Robins' lead, carving his way through the Leeds defence and selling Rhinos full-back Zak Hardaker a dummy before crossing.

BBC

Still, a good try.

The New York Times - Arts

A good try, Mr. Berman.

The New York Times

It was a good try.

The Guardian - Music

"Five years is a good try.

Independent

I mean it is a good try.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

"But we were better in that area and we got a reward with a good try". The Chiefs went into the game against last year's beaten Premiership semi-finalists off the back of defeats against London Welsh and Northampton.

BBC

"I must give credit to our forwards coach, Nigel Redman, who kicked a few backsides after last week's poor performance [at London Irish]." On Lemi's disallowed try: "It looked a good try to me and everybody else in the ground.

BBC

"I thought we scored a good try right at the end, which would have got us a bonus point, and the officials were wrong to disallow it.

BBC

6/10 Jones had probably his best game of the 6 Nations today, looking threatening with ball in hand a finishing off a good try.

Independent

I'm not saying you could definitely play a game of rounders in the Lloyds bank branch in New Street, Birmingham, but you could give it a good try.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a good try" to acknowledge effort, especially when the outcome is unsuccessful, to encourage continued attempts.

Common error

Avoid using "a good try" excessively, especially in situations where genuine success or improvement is expected. Overuse can diminish its impact and seem insincere.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a good try" primarily functions as an acknowledgement or compliment to someone's effort, particularly when that effort did not result in the desired outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage across a variety of contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a good try" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression to acknowledge and commend effort, particularly when the desired outcome isn't achieved. Ludwig confirms its widespread use across various contexts, including news, academia, and informal settings. Alternatives such as ""valiant effort"" or ""sincere attempt"" can provide nuanced expressions of appreciation. While effective in boosting morale, overuse should be avoided to maintain its sincerity. The phrase's primary function is to encourage persistence and positive attitudes after facing challenges.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a valiant effort

Implies courage and determination in the attempt, adding emphasis to the effort made.

a sincere attempt

Highlights the genuineness and honesty of the effort, suggesting the person tried with good intentions.

a commendable effort

Emphasizes the praiseworthy nature of the attempt, suggesting it deserves recognition.

a notable attempt

Focuses on the fact that the effort is worthy of attention, perhaps because of its ambition or difficulty.

a determined effort

Stresses the firmness and resolution behind the attempt, indicating strong willpower.

a decent effort

Indicates the attempt was satisfactory and of reasonable quality.

an earnest endeavor

Highlights the seriousness and dedication put into the attempt.

a spirited attempt

Suggests enthusiasm and energy characterized the attempt.

an honest shot

Emphasizes the straightforward and truthful nature of the attempt.

a bold move

Suggests the attempt was daring and involved taking a risk.

FAQs

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

You can use "a good try" to acknowledge someone's effort, even if they didn't succeed. For example, "That was "a good try", but let's try a different approach".

What can I say instead of "a good try"?

You can use alternatives like "valiant effort", "sincere attempt", or "commendable effort" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a good try"?

It is appropriate to use "a good try" when you want to acknowledge someone's effort, especially when they have attempted something difficult or challenging, regardless of the outcome.

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

While both phrases are similar, "a good attempt" focuses more on the action itself, whereas ""a good try"" acknowledges both the action and the spirit behind it.