a laudable attempt

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a laudable attempt" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an effort that is commendable or worthy of praise, often in the context of trying to achieve something difficult. Example: "Despite the challenges faced, the team made a laudable attempt to complete the project ahead of schedule."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

"It is not uncommon for the more cynical among us to be overly rude to this particular species, in a laudable attempt not to appear obsequious," she observes.

The New York Times

First it was the £3.8bn Better Care Fund in June 2013, a laudable attempt to encourage clinical commissioning groups and councils to join up health and social care.

The Guardian

That was also the year in which James convened the Hampton Court Conference, gathering together mainstream Anglicans and crosspatch Puritans in a laudable attempt to find some liturgical common ground, while at the same time bolstering his own authority.

Independent

Tonight's musical director and conductor, Peter Wraight, has made a laudable attempt to rearrange the group's lustrous oeuvre into avant-garde brass-friendly shapes, but his task was enormously demanding and, ultimately, misguided.

The Guardian - Music

Translating eduspeak Lukewarm localism Hitting the buffers The spiral of ignorance Internship ReprintsThe Tories' professed motives restoring civic pride, reviving public faith in politics, rebalancing the economy to make it less reliant on London are a laudable attempt to undo some of the work of Margaret Thatcher.

The Economist

Mr. Lazio said he had no regrets about the language used to attack the bill in the ad, even when a reporter noted that in September he had described the Kyoto Protocol as "a laudable attempt to address global warming," even as he said the treaty could be improved.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

It may simply be a result of inattention; an unhappy byproduct of an otherwise laudable attempt to simplify the curriculum.

The Guardian - Opinion

So, a laudable effort to change our perceptions of beauty?

The Guardian

It's a laudable effort.

Los Angeles Times

This laudable attempt to simplify welfare brings together support for the unemployed and the low-paid into a single benefit for the first time.

The Guardian

Matthew Maguire's play — about two couples, all biologists, tackling a SARS outbreak in the South while struggling to resolve their relationships — gets bogged down in its multiple, diffuse concerns, despite its laudable attempt at humanizing professionals in scientific fields (1 30).

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a laudable attempt" to positively frame an action or initiative, even if the outcome is uncertain or not fully successful. This can soften criticism and acknowledge the value of the effort expended.

Common error

Avoid using "a laudable attempt" in casual conversation or informal writing. The phrase is relatively formal and can sound out of place if not used appropriately.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a laudable attempt" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "laudable" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "attempt". Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage as a means to describe something worthy of praise.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

23%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a laudable attempt" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase for describing an effort worthy of praise. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is most commonly found in News & Media and Scientific contexts. While the phrase is generally neutral in register, avoid overuse in informal settings. Consider alternative phrases like "a commendable effort" or "a praiseworthy endeavor" to add variety to your writing. Remember that while the phrase commends the effort, it does not guarantee a positive outcome.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a praiseworthy endeavor

Replaces "attempt" with "endeavor", suggesting a more significant or ambitious undertaking. "Praiseworthy" is a direct synonym of "laudable".

a commendable effort

Substitutes both words with direct synonyms, maintaining a neutral tone and general applicability.

an admirable endeavor

Uses "admirable" to convey a slightly more elevated sense of respect and approval for the attempt.

a noteworthy effort

Highlights the significance or visibility of the effort, emphasizing its importance.

a creditable effort

Focuses on the merit and worthiness of the effort, suggesting that it deserves recognition.

a respectable effort

Indicates that the effort is deserving of respect, even if the outcome is uncertain.

a sterling effort

Implies an effort of high quality and excellence, using a more figurative and emphatic term.

a valuable undertaking

Shifts the focus to the inherent value of the action or project being attempted.

a well-intentioned effort

Emphasizes the positive intentions behind the attempt, even if it does not fully succeed.

a game attempt

Adds a sense of bravery or resilience to the effort, implying a willingness to try despite challenges.

FAQs

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

You can use "a laudable attempt" to describe an action or initiative that is worthy of praise, such as, "The company's effort to reduce its carbon footprint was "a laudable attempt", despite the challenges involved."

What phrases are similar to "a laudable attempt"?

Similar phrases include "a commendable effort", "a praiseworthy endeavor", and "an admirable endeavor". These alternatives can add variety to your writing while maintaining a similar meaning.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a laudable attempt"?

It is appropriate to use "a laudable attempt" in formal or semi-formal contexts, such as news articles, academic papers, or business reports, where you want to express approval of an effort made, regardless of the result.

Is "laudable" the best word to use, or are there stronger alternatives?

While "laudable" is a strong and positive word, consider the specific nuance you want to convey. For more emphasis, you might use "a sterling effort". If you want to highlight the intentions behind the effort, use "a well-intentioned effort".