a heroic attempt

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a heroic attempt" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an effort that is brave, admirable, or commendable, often in the face of difficulty or adversity. Example: "Despite the overwhelming odds, the team made a heroic attempt to rescue the stranded hikers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

It was a heroic attempt to show that reality aligned with theory.

The New Yorker

Usually it is justice or at least a heroic attempt at justice.

The New York Times - Magazine

It was, says Seymour-Jones, a heroic attempt to break 'the mould of their century'.

The Guardian - Books

This looks like a heroic attempt to impose reform on the French by dressing it up as European "tax harmonisation".

The Economist

A heroic attempt maybe, but like Captain Scott's, one that will ultimately end in failure … Wrong end of the earth?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

It was a heroic attempt to compress all the ailments and anxieties of the world into the busy programme.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

Clarke, in an heroic attempt not to admit to a U-turn, said: "When it comes to putting customers first, Asda has always led the way, which is why we're just as confident in our decision to step away from Black Friday as we were in introducing it to the UK".

The Guardian - Business

She lasted 29 hours in an heroic attempt".

The Guardian - Opinion

The interesting thing is that he's dressing it all up as an heroic attempt to save free trade -- by, if necessary, resorting to such blatantly, indisputably, protectionist measures as "countervailing duties".

Huffington Post

The Garden of Eden, his last, unfinished book, published posthumously, was a daring, heroic attempt at a summing up on a grand scale.

The Guardian - Opinion

As a loony, heroic attempt to revive history painting, there is something inspiring about it.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a heroic attempt" to describe efforts that are not only ambitious but also involve a significant degree of risk or difficulty. It's most effective when highlighting the admirable qualities of the endeavor, regardless of the outcome.

Common error

Avoid using "a heroic attempt" for everyday tasks or minor challenges. Its impact is diminished when applied to situations that don't genuinely require extraordinary effort or bravery.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a heroic attempt" functions as a noun phrase, where "heroic" modifies "attempt". It describes a particular type of effort characterized by bravery and determination. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage aligns with standard grammar rules.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a heroic attempt" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to describe an effort marked by bravery, determination, and often, significant risk. As Ludwig AI indicates, its usage is standard and widely accepted. Predominantly found in News & Media, but also present in Scientific contexts, this phrase conveys admiration for an endeavor, regardless of its success. While generally neutral in tone, leaning towards professional, it is crucial to avoid overusing it in trivial situations. Alternatives such as "a valiant effort" or "a courageous endeavor" can provide nuanced variations in meaning. The prevalence of this phrase in authoritative sources like The Guardian and The New York Times underscores its reliability and appropriateness in formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a valiant effort

Emphasizes courage and determination in the face of adversity.

a courageous endeavor

Highlights bravery and willingness to take risks.

a spirited effort

Focuses on enthusiasm and energy invested in the attempt.

a bold initiative

Stresses the ambitious and innovative nature of the undertaking.

an admirable undertaking

Highlights the praiseworthy quality of the attempt.

a determined push

Emphasizes resolve and persistence.

a plucky try

Implies a cheerful and resilient attitude, often against unfavorable odds.

a game attempt

Suggests willingness to participate despite potential failure.

a herculean task

Highlights the immense difficulty involved.

a long shot

Underscores the low probability of success while acknowledging the effort.

FAQs

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

You can use "a heroic attempt" to describe a brave and commendable effort, such as, "Despite the odds, the rescue team made "a heroic attempt" to save the trapped miners."

What are some alternatives to "a heroic attempt"?

Alternatives include "a valiant effort", "a courageous endeavor", or "a spirited effort", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "a heroic attempt"?

It's appropriate when describing an action that involves considerable risk, bravery, or determination, often in the face of significant obstacles. It suggests more than just effort; it implies exceptional dedication.

Is "heroic attempt" formal or informal?

The phrase "a heroic attempt" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although it is most commonly found in news reporting and descriptive writing. Its appropriateness depends more on the situation being described than the audience.