a reasonable attempt

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a reasonable attempt" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing efforts made to achieve something that are considered sensible or justifiable given the circumstances. Example: "Despite the challenges, the team made a reasonable attempt to meet the project deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

By this standard, lenders must go beyond disclosure to meet what former Treasury official Michael Barr calls an "objective reasonableness" test, making a reasonable attempt at helping borrowers understand risks and rewards of taking out high-interest rate loans before closing.

Huffington Post

But provided you are making a reasonable attempt to return the device, I see no reason why you couldn't contact a friend who might be interested in the device.

TechCrunch

And what we see there is hopefully a reasonable attempt to compensate for the cloud cover.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

At the time, it looked like a reasonable attempt to help a unique charity survive.

The Guardian - Opinion

Still, the Crosspad is a reasonable attempt at freeing users from the tyranny of the keyboard.

The New York Times - Science

Kirkpatrick makes a reasonable attempt to remain objective about his subject, noting (repeatedly) Zuckerberg's taciturn stare and, of course, his slovenly dressing habits.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

He is one of the biggest recipients of NRA contributions, and blocks any reasonable attempt to mitigate gun violence.

Huffington Post

Students were given credit for any reasonable attempt to answer and were not graded on the content of their answers.

CBE Life Sciences Education

After the topic of hotel clock radios that defy all reasonable attempts to program them came up in a recent column, there was an outpouring of reader response.

The New York Times

To attract tourists, these towns make all reasonable attempts to preserve their coastline and even extend it.

The New York Times

In particular, the rules require the government to have "made all reasonable attempts to obtain the information from alternative, non-media sources" before investigators may target a reporter's information.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a reasonable attempt", ensure that the context clearly indicates what constitutes 'reasonable' in the specific situation. Providing context adds credibility to the claim of effort.

Common error

Avoid claiming "a reasonable attempt" was made without providing concrete examples or evidence to support the assertion. Vague claims can undermine the perceived credibility of the effort.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a reasonable attempt" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as the object or subject complement in a sentence. It describes an effort made towards achieving a goal or addressing a problem, emphasizing that the effort was sensible and justifiable, in line with Ludwig's findings.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a reasonable attempt" is a versatile phrase used to describe efforts that are both sensible and justifiable. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and commonly employed across various contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Academia. When incorporating this phrase into your writing, ensure that the context clarifies what constitutes 'reasonable' in the given situation to enhance credibility. While it’s important to demonstrate effort, avoid vague claims without supporting evidence. Consider using alternatives like "a fair effort" or "a sensible try" to adjust the tone and emphasis of your message. By following these guidelines, you can effectively use "a reasonable attempt" to communicate diligence and sound judgment in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a fair effort

Replaces 'reasonable attempt' with simpler terms emphasizing fairness and exertion.

a sensible try

Substitutes 'reasonable attempt' with 'sensible try' highlighting logical and practical approaches.

a credible endeavor

Replaces 'reasonable attempt' emphasizing the believability and seriousness of the effort.

an earnest effort

Substitutes 'reasonable attempt' with 'earnest effort' emphasizing sincerity and diligence.

a viable undertaking

Replaces 'reasonable attempt' highlighting the practicality and feasibility of the effort.

a justifiable measure

Substitutes 'reasonable attempt' with 'justifiable measure' emphasizing the validity and appropriateness of the action.

an acceptable approach

Replaces 'reasonable attempt' with 'acceptable approach' emphasizing the permissibility and suitability of the method.

a legitimate effort

Substitutes 'reasonable attempt' highlighting the lawfulness and validity of the effort.

a sound initiative

Replaces 'reasonable attempt' emphasizing the solid and well-founded nature of the action.

a pragmatic approach

Substitutes 'reasonable attempt' highlighting the practicality and realistic considerations of the method.

FAQs

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

Use "a reasonable attempt" to describe efforts that are considered sensible or justifiable under the circumstances. For example, "The company made "a reasonable attempt" to address customer concerns".

What are some alternatives to "a reasonable attempt"?

You can use alternatives such as "a fair effort", "a sensible try", or "a credible endeavor", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "a reasonable attempt" or "an attempt"?

"A reasonable attempt" suggests that the effort was not only made but also was sensible and justifiable. "An attempt" simply indicates that an effort was made, without commenting on its quality or appropriateness. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the quality of the effort.

What does it mean for something to be considered "a reasonable attempt"?

For something to be considered "a reasonable attempt", it means that the actions taken were appropriate, logical, and justifiable given the situation and resources available. It suggests that the effort was made in good faith and with sound judgment.