a persistent attempt

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a persistent attempt" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an ongoing effort to achieve something despite challenges or obstacles. Example: "Despite numerous setbacks, she made a persistent attempt to complete her research project on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Brooks's solicitor Deighton told the BBC: "It does feel that there has been a persistent attempt from 1993 up to these meetings in 1999 – maybe even beyond – to undermine Duwayne Brooks's reputation.

The Guardian

Be aware that a persistent attempt to get the truth can anger people.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Its oldest known ancestor in the genus Salmonidae swam through the waters of the Eocene, back when Australia was still a part of Antarctica, North America was still a part of Europe, and India was just beginning its long and persistent attempt to hump its way over China, smashing itself into the Himalayan mountains in the process.

The New Yorker

The day's developments followed Mr. Kroll's persistent attempt to open the door on the German side for a far-reaching agreement between Moscow and Bonn in a manner which threatened to imperil German relations with the West.

The New York Times

Perhaps the most persistent attempt to expose the foolishness of the belief in ghosts is Scooby-Doo.

The Guardian - Opinion

Reform leaders have repeatedly appealed for calm and patience despite the latest arrests of reformers, the shutdown of their publications and the persistent attempt by hard-line judges and clerics to brand them as anti-Islamic.

The New York Times

A high degree of clinical suspicion, persistent attempts to establish a specific diagnosis, and the use of optimized enrichment cultures and PCR amplification were ultimately required to establish the diagnosis in our patient.

BMC Infectious Diseases

As a teenager, Victoria resisted persistent attempts by her mother and Conroy to appoint him to her staff.

Wikipedia

He spins long reflections on pain, disfigurement and death from the stories of some of his patients, including a healthy woman with a mysterious burning pain in both feet; a teenager with a large, benign tumor in the neck; and an ebullient patient dying from AIDS whose persistent attempts to hug Dr. Stein were persistently rebuffed, to Dr. Stein's enduring chagrin.

The New York Times - Health

And, according to Boris Johnson, in 2004 Jonathan Powell, Mr Blair's former chief of staff, told the then Tory MP that Mr Brown's life was a "Shakespearean tragedy" because, despite his persistent attempts, he would never become prime minister.

Independent

ACT is usually conceptualized as incorporating a multidisciplinary team approach, active and persistent attempts to engage clients, direct provision of comprehensive health and social care, and in-vivo and out-of-hours working.

BMC Psychiatry

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a persistent attempt" to describe situations where the effort has been ongoing despite facing challenges. This highlights the resilience and dedication involved.

Common error

Avoid using "a persistent attempt" when the effort becomes harmful or ignores ethical boundaries. Persistence is positive when directed towards a legitimate goal, but can cross into obsession if it disregards negative consequences or other people's rights.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a persistent attempt" functions as a noun phrase, where "persistent" modifies the noun "attempt". It describes an effort characterized by its ongoing and unwavering nature, often in the face of obstacles. Ludwig confirms its usability.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

25%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a persistent attempt" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase to describe an ongoing and determined effort. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is used to highlight resilience in the face of obstacles. While relatively infrequent, its versatility allows it to be used across various registers, from news media to scientific writing. Alternatives include "a determined effort" or "a sustained endeavor". When using the phrase, ensure that the persistence is directed towards a legitimate goal and doesn't cross into harmful or unethical behavior.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a determined effort

Emphasizes the resoluteness and firmness of the effort.

a sustained endeavor

Highlights the continuous and prolonged nature of the undertaking.

a relentless pursuit

Suggests an unwavering and unyielding drive towards a goal.

a tenacious undertaking

Focuses on the firmness and dedication involved in the attempt.

a persevering action

Emphasizes the continuation of the action despite difficulties.

a continuous striving

Highlights the ongoing effort and struggle to achieve something.

a steady push

Suggests a consistent and unwavering effort.

a tireless exertion

Focuses on the immense amount of work and dedication involved.

an unflagging drive

Highlights the undiminished enthusiasm and energy behind the attempt.

a constant pressure

Emphasizes a consistent and forceful effort to achieve a specific result.

FAQs

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

You can use "a persistent attempt" to describe someone's continuous effort to achieve something despite obstacles. For example, "Despite numerous setbacks, she made "a persistent attempt" to complete her research project on time."

What can I say instead of "a persistent attempt"?

You can use alternatives like "a determined effort", "a sustained endeavor", or "a relentless pursuit" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "a persistent attempt" or "persistent attempts"?

The choice depends on the context. "A persistent attempt" refers to a single, ongoing effort, while "persistent attempts" implies multiple individual efforts. For example, "He made "persistent attempts" to contact her." indicates multiple tries.

What is the difference between "a persistent attempt" and "a futile attempt"?

"A persistent attempt" describes an ongoing effort, while "a futile attempt" describes an effort that is unlikely to succeed. The key difference lies in the potential for success; a persistent attempt may eventually succeed, whereas a futile attempt is generally hopeless from the start.